Hard Selecting Gear After Clutch Change (Non-Clio)

[VenomUK]

This isn’t a Clio question but I’m of the thinking that the process may be the same across the models.

Basically on my 2012 Kangoo 1.5dci I had the clutch replaced along with the pipe with the inline damping as it was rotten and was leaking fluid. Since having it back the selection has been awful! The bite is right at the bottom to the point I physically can’t get it into gear unless the engine is off. I gave it back and had it bled again, and it was a little better but still at times the peddle feels like there’s no resistance and the bite is so far towards the bottom of the pedal. After a few pumps it does like to select gears. At times it is nice and smooth but most of the time it can be very hard to change gear. When it is hard to select gear and It goes into 1st you can feel the clutch dragging as the pedal is fully compressed.

I’m assuming there is air still in the system after the second bleed and that perhaps the bleeding process hasn’t been done correctly or there is trapped air in the system somewhere?

Can anyone throw some advice my way for bleeding the clutch or if there is something I am missing. Looking at the bleed nipple it looks as though it is the 2-stage clip where you pull it out to the first click before bleeding can begin.

 

[JamesBryan]

Do you know how they are bleeding it?

If it's the manual pump the pedal method then it probably won't work.

You either have to reverse bleed most Renault slave cylinders or pressure bleed.

Pre-filling the slave before fitting is usually advised also.

 

[Mcaff]

Can be a pain to get them bled up, small syringe with brake fluid in it and push the fluid back through the bleed nipple helps on these. If not then a pressure bleeder will help push the fluid through. Also check the gearbox oil as these are had to select gear when oil is low.

 

[VenomUK]

I'm pretty sure they are pressure bleeding but not sure if the slave was pre-filled before reinstalling?
I will check the oil level on the box but would assume it should be good if they had the box off to fit the clutch but again will also drain and refill with the correct fluid as I would imagine they used just an generic gear oil and not the correct ELF stuff. But I will also try the reverse pressure bleed as I'm guessing there is air in the system because it feels as though the pressure plate isn't completely compressing the clutch not letting the gear to be selected. When it is hard to engage into gear and eventually goes with the clutch peddle down the car is still creeping forward.

 

[JamesBryan]

Can't see it being a gear oil issue if it's creeping in gear with the clutch pedal pressed.

First thing you could try is leaving the pedal wedged down overnight, i know that's cured it in the past for a few of the Megane guys that have had trouble bleeding the system.

Failing that it could be a faulty slave.

 

[VenomUK]

Watching some clips they all seem to shut off the bleed nipple with the peddle down? Also I will ask the garage but I assume the slave was replaced although I think if it was they may have no pre-filled the slave before installing?

 

[Mcaff]

I’ve never pre filled one when installing. May be faulty if it has even been replaced. Or just poor job bleeding. As said before push some fluid up in a syringe or get a pressure bleeder on it and should bleed up.

 

[JamesBryan]

Watching some clips they all seem to shut off the bleed nipple with the peddle down? Also I will ask the garage but I assume the slave was replaced although I think if it was they may have no pre-filled the slave before installing?

Yes, the same way you'd do brakes really. Close the bleeder with the pedal down.

I should have pointed out that pre-filling is only advised if you were going to bleed it manually.

Seeing as the garage probably pressure bled it, then it's not really required. However i still do it as good practice.