Clutch pedal failed?

[Rob_f]

Hi,

Whilst driving home the other day in third gear I pressed the clutch to change up to 4th and the pedal hit the floor. I can no longer change gears with the clutch, there is no resistance from the pedal, it has gone from a heavy pedal to light as a feather. I've looked at the car today to see if it was the clutch cable, that doesn't move when you press the clutch. I've looked at the pedal itself and it doesn't appear to be attached the lever behind the pedal. Has anybody experienced this? Any suggestions where to start? Is it likely to be the clutch has failed?

Thanks

 

[JamesBryan]

The link rod on the pedal will have popped off.

 

[Rob_f]

Thanks James. Is it worth trying to reconnect the old one or just buy a replacement?

 

[JamesBryan]

Thanks James. Is it worth trying to reconnect the old one or just buy a replacement?

Buy a replacement, it'll just keep popping off.

The ball joint inside will be worn.

If you search for clutch pedal link rod for a Clio, you'll find them for sale.

 

[rik220]

Clutch pedal assembly can be removed without removing the entire pedal box. Bit of a faff but I managed it recently when my self adjuster spring had corroded slightly and stuck so it wasn’t grabbing the big toothed wheel above the pedal. This was giving the same symptoms. Pedal to the floor with no resistance, no clutch action whatsoever.


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[Rob_f]

Clutch pedal assembly can be removed without removing the entire pedal box. Bit of a faff but I managed it recently when my self adjuster spring had corroded slightly and stuck so it wasn’t grabbing the big toothed wheel above the pedal. This was giving the same symptoms. Pedal to the floor with no resistance, no clutch action whatsoever.


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Any tips on how you did this?

 

[rik220]

Any tips on how you did this?

I’d need to look at it again. Fairly sure I just removed the cable from the pedal mech and then removed the bolt that the clutch pedal hinges on. There’s a slight gap between the brackets for the clutch and brake and the clutch pedal and mech will with a faff twist and turn to get out the gap.


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[Rob_f]

I’d need to look at it again. Fairly sure I just removed the cable from the pedal mech and then removed the bolt that the clutch pedal hinges on. There’s a slight gap between the brackets for the clutch and brake and the clutch pedal and mech will with a faff twist and turn to get out the gap.


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I don’t suppose you remember if the cable goes above or below the link rod? I forgot to take a picture before taking it out ?

 

[rik220]

I don’t suppose you remember if the cable goes above or below the link rod? I forgot to take a picture before taking it out [emoji107]

Ahh I had this. Had to go out and check it my 1.2 daily Clio.

I’ll check in the morning for you but you might have to PM me to remind me!


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[rik220]

Hope this helps

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[Rob_f]

It absolutely did. Thanks for your help.

 

[Suspect]

Hello all

I have got the same problem on my 182 and now I have ordered the above upgraded linkage and Managed to remove the old one as it was knackered. The nyon was cracked inside my original and it was recommended by a RAC man that I buy a upgraded version. I am now struggling to attach the new upgraded version as it is really tight to work. I don’t get how your meant to put the sirclips in and how ur supposed to get the new linkage to fit on as I feel this is impossible.

 

[Suspect]

Buy a replacement, it'll just keep popping off.

The ball joint inside will be worn.

If you search for clutch pedal link rod for a Clio, you'll find them for sale.

I have got the same problem on my 182 and now I have ordered the above upgraded linkage and Managed to remove the old one as it was knackered. The nyon was cracked inside my original and it was recommended by a RAC man that I buy a upgraded version. I am now struggling to attach the new upgraded version as it is really tight to work. I don’t get how your meant to put the sirclips in and how ur supposed to get the new linkage to fit on as I feel this is impossible

 

[JamesBryan]

I have got the same problem on my 182 and now I have ordered the above upgraded linkage and Managed to remove the old one as it was knackered. The nyon was cracked inside my original and it was recommended by a RAC man that I buy a upgraded version. I am now struggling to attach the new upgraded version as it is really tight to work. I don’t get how your meant to put the sirclips in and how ur supposed to get the new linkage to fit on as I feel this is impossible

I've not tried it with the uprated part, my mate says it's difficult too

 

[welshname]

Just going to throw it out there that the clip goes on AFTER you've connected it. Just in case.

 

[JamesBryan]

Just going to throw it out there that the clip goes on AFTER you've connected it. Just in case.

Yeah there is a video on youtube showing how to do it, but it's getting the clip in that's the hard bit apparently.

 

[JamesBryan]

Here's the video

 

[Suspect]

Here's the video

Thanks all for the prompt replies much appreciated,
THis is the exact same make of linkage I have brought X8r... the thing is every video I have seen they have the pedal box out on a work bench to do the change over. I attempted this yesterday whilst it was situated on my car and it was a ball ache. I have been told my push plate on my clutch is very stiff and that’s why the previous original part failed. I need to be able to drive my car from London to Kent so I can do the clutch at a mates garage. I cannot risk putting the old original linkage as it will fail again does anyone know Anyone who has managed to put this part on with the clips ??

 

[Suspect]

Just going to throw it out there that the clip goes on AFTER you've connected it. Just in case.

I have tried it with the clips out , with the clip semi in
Either the clips fully in there’s just no space for me to work. Getting the washers on was a mission it self.

 

[Suspect]

I've not tried it with the uprated part, my mate says it's difficult too

Was you mate successful in doing this ???

 

[JamesBryan]

Was you mate successful in doing this ???

No he ended up getting one off another Clio.

 

[Suspect]

No he ended up getting one off another Clio.

No way this is madness I actually thought I could get this on.

 

[Leon3554]

Hello baguette lovers, just wanted to leave a note on this post that i have just done this repair with this exact part and although it was fiddly as hell, i've managed it and touch wood seems to be sorted. Clips were a nightmate but got them in. Has anybody else managed it and did you use the littlw rubber inserts that came with the part? Hope this helps others. Good luck!

 

[ldubl]

Hello baguette lovers, just wanted to leave a note on this post that i have just done this repair with this exact part and although it was fiddly as hell, i've managed it and touch wood seems to be sorted. Clips were a nightmate but got them in. Has anybody else managed it and did you use the littlw rubber inserts that came with the part? Hope this helps others. Good luck!

Any tips on getting the new rod on to the ball? Doesn't seem to want to go on (with security clip removed)

 

[ldubl]

The XBR video has lots of useful comments to help with fitting (in case others are struggling; seems par for the course with this part)

Was posted earlier in this thread!
Thanks @JamesBryan

 

[ldubl]

The supplier of the original ebay part has got back to me:

 

[ldubl]

Took the large plastic steering cover off & unplugged the brake & clutch switches, making more room & visibility.

I struggled to detach the clutch cable and didn't want to break the little plastic holding point, so managed it with this in situ.

Removing the end of the original linkage still attached was fiddly, but achieved with a metal trim removal tool.

Attaching the pedal end first, there is more room to do this, and then can rest the other end on the other ball.

I found pushing the clutch pedal in slightly added some purchase tension, then managed to manoeuvre a small set of water pump pliers to grab the back of the metal backing of the ball and the end of the body of the linkage rod, and it clicked in.

I struggled to get the pins in; still much better than the half-cup original ones!

Probably best to have the pins sitting just inside their entry holes and clipped over the body of the linkage, so they are correctly located for unclipping and pushing through the exit holes, after securing each cup/socket on to it's ball.

The diameter of the pins is the same as a paperclip, so I'm going to try with these.

Clutch & gearshift also feel more precise and direct now.

I'd suggest fitting one of these before yours fails, as it is a stressful to lose your clutch on the road, and it improves the shift experience. It is a fiddly job that took an hour or so; definitely use foam between your lower left ribs and the sill!

I'm happy I bought the slightly more expensive askthemechanic one (only one available when I bought it in July 2023) rather than the cheaper knock-offs, to support the original maker in the UK and it is likely to be made with better materials and manufacturing, plus 12 months warranty.

 

[ldubl]

When my clutch went, I thought it might be this

When this went, I thought it might be the clutch cable

When this goes, it is very obvious, it will look like this!

(I was sitting in the passenger seat!)