172 cup clutch questions - help needed

[g0rd]

Hey all,

Got a couple of questions re the clutch for a 2003 172 cup. I use the car mainly for trackdays, very little road driving, and think my clutch is on the way out. I currently have a Helix Sporting Clutch kit fitted, which has performed well, but has only lasted about 18 months, around 14 trackdays (including a recent trip to the ring).

What are other people using for the track, standard (Valeo) or other, any advice would be appreciated?.

Also, if I were to purchase the clutch, is there any recommendations for getting it fitted in the Luton area, and any idea of the cost?.

Thanks for any help

 

[Cupman29]

Standard or mildly modified power I'd go valeo.

 

[g0rd]

Thanks Cupman29. Yep, forgot to mention car is mainly standard engine wise, not too much done, just exhaust, cnc matched inlet manifold and induction kit.

 

[MartinR]

As above i would also just put a standard valeo one in. No need for anything more unless running big power

 

[sonny172cup]

Valeo all the way

 

[warwickstingray]

Most standard clutches are pretty robust these days. My peugeot HDI (not dual mass) clutch is munching on an extra 50lbs/ft over standard without complaining.

 

[g0rd]

Thanks all, Valeo it is then. Got one on order from eurocarparts (didn't have one in stock locally), should get it by the middle of this week.

Then all I got to do is fit it. Anyone know anyone in or around Luton, Beds, who might be able to fit it. If not I might give it a go myself, not done a clutch on the Clio yet so don't know how difficult it would be, will have a search later for some kind of guide to give me an idea.

 

[MartinR]

Its not hard its just time consuming.

 

[warwickstingray]

Like Peugeots then. You'll feel like you've hit a life milestone afterwards. It's no wonder my HDI has intercooler

 

[g0rd]

Like Peugeots then. You'll feel like you've hit a life milestone afterwards. It's no wonder my HDI has intercooler

Or you'll feel relief when you (can) engage gear and the car still moves lol

 

[warwickstingray]

Or you'll feel relief when you (can) engage gear and the car still moves lol

Definitely. I think the moment the gearbox slides home is always a good one. Until you see something you forgot on the floor!

I meant no intercooler in my last post. Stupid phone.

 

[.GAZ.]

Just fitted a new Valeo clutch kit to mine.

 

[g0rd]

Is anyone aware of a guide as to how to go about this, I have searched on here but don't seem to be able to locate one. I'm no mechanic, but I do know my way around a car and it would be nice to get other's experience of changing the clutch, what to remove and in what order etc.

@.GAZ, how long did it take you to change it, and did it involve a lot of swearing or was it reasonably straight forward? (where you based, do you wanna fit mine )

 

[warwickstingray]

There is one in the members section. Other than that it's a case of battling with the joy that is the search function on the forum.

 

[g0rd]

There is one in the members section. Other than that it's a case of battling with the joy that is the search function on the forum.

Are you referring to this one http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?258911-172-182-gearbox-change-clutch or is there another one?

 

[warwickstingray]

Yes. Not read through it myself. I have renaults various pdf manuals but like Haynes they assume you have all the gear and things just magically undo. Guides are probably better.

 

[MartinR]

Three ways

subframe off and out the bottom.

Out the top/ pushed into the arch

engine and box removed together.
.
Either way for a novice i would say 2days for a clutch change.

 

[welshname]

You can also just lower the passenger side subframe and come out through that gap.

 

[g0rd]

Sounds like subframe off or lowering passenger side is the way to go, I certainly wont be taking the engine and box out together.
MartinR, looking at that guide I would probably agree that its 2 days work, having not done this before, so I would be taking care while doing it.

 

[sonny172cup]

I managed to change the clutch by raising the engine slightly and splitting the box in situ, its very tight but just enough room. Bearing in mind though that mines a cup without aircon etc

 

[welshname]

That's what I meant by mine. You just lower the subframe and slide it backwards into that gap.

Gives you more than enough room for a clutch change

 

[g0rd]

That's what I meant by mine. You just lower the subframe and slide it backwards into that gap.

Gives you more than enough room for a clutch change

Ahh, OK, that sounds better, so no need to actually drop the box out of the car, just move it over. Got the new clutch yesterday, also got a cable as well just in case, so I am going to have a go at it myself with a friend.

On the guide that I linked to in an earlier post both the cooling system and the gearbox were drained, is it necessary to drain both?

 

[hipwell]

you have to drain the box before you remove the ns drive shaft.

the box doesnt need to come out, i changed my clutch by just removing the rad, box mounts, battery and ecu. Didnt touch the subframe and the box just moved out the way enough to change the clutch. Might need to jack up the box a bit to manouver it about but its definatly doable.

The worst part is stripping it down to gain access, but its definatly a million times easier with the radiator and hoses out the way.

 

[JezzaMac]

It took me and a mate 4 hours for removal and about 5.5 hours for refitting. That's the first time we had done it. We did it across a few days as we were in no rush and waiting on parts.

Wasn't as difficult a job as I was expecting!

 

[Fraser.J.]

Just fitted a new Valeo clutch kit to mine.

Naw ya didny. I did

 

[Feirny]

Naw ya didny. I did

I put a transmech one in the box anyway.

 

[Fraser.J.]

I put a transmech one in the box anyway.

Shhh I never told him

 

[.GAZ.]

FLOL!

 

[g0rd]

you have to drain the box before you remove the ns drive shaft.

the box doesnt need to come out, i changed my clutch by just removing the rad, box mounts, battery and ecu. Didnt touch the subframe and the box just moved out the way enough to change the clutch. Might need to jack up the box a bit to manouver it about but its definatly doable.

The worst part is stripping it down to gain access, but its definatly a million times easier with the radiator and hoses out the way.

Cheers hipwell, thanks for the advice. I got both gearbox oil and coolant as well now, so pretty much ready to go, looking to start, and hopefully finish, next weekend lol

 

[hipwell]

Cheers hipwell, thanks for the advice. I got both gearbox oil and coolant as well now, so pretty much ready to go, looking to start, and hopefully finish, next weekend lol

no problem mate, if u get stuck drop me a pm if u cant find the answer of the forum.

 

[g0rd]

no problem mate, if u get stuck drop me a pm if u cant find the answer of the forum.

Cheers, appreciated

 

[g0rd]

Hey all,

Just to thank everyone for their suggestions, advice etc. as I have now completed my first clutch change . I did have to drop the passenger side subframe as there was not enough room to move the gearbox into the space under the wheel arch. All in all it took me about 2 full days, but I was very methodical as I had not done this before.

I made a list of pretty much all the steps I went through, if anyone is interested, but did not take any pictures along the way unfortunately.

Cheers all.