Williams Clio heavy/snappy clutch

[staccato]

I bought a Williams Clio 3 last weekend and the clutch is almost unbearable to use.
The clutch is heavy at the mid point - so when you put your foot on the clutch, the first 1/3 of travel is smooth and easy, then the middle 1/3 of travel is like trying to depress a house brick, then the final 1/3 to the floor is loose.

This isn't a huge issue until you try to pull away from traffic lights etc when the clutch returns with such force that the car lurches forward and the clutch engages with a bang, despite having your leg braced ready for it to happen.

The clutch was replaced with an unknown new one about 18 months ago, as was the cable. The clutch pedal assembly and self adjusting mechanism was also replaced at the same time.

I've tried lubricating the cable, and the connection on the gear box but it's no better at all.

Any ideas?

 

[Daz.]

Is the clutch cable a genuine renault one and routed the correct way? if its a pattern part throw it away as all it will do is ruin the new pedal assembly.

Doesn't help that theres no info on the clutch - could be a heavier uprated one which is so not needed on a standard willy.

whats the pedeal like with the engine off?

 

[markblack172]

Updated clutch, sounds simelar to my organic clutch

 

[staccato]

Is the clutch cable a genuine renault one and routed the correct way? if its a pattern part throw it away as all it will do is ruin the new pedal assembly.

Doesn't help that theres no info on the clutch - could be a heavier uprated one which is so not needed on a standard willy.

whats the pedeal like with the engine off?

the pedal with the engine off is exactly the same as with on. Very heavy and hard to depress and very violent return. Does that suggest anything?

 

[staccato]

Just booked in for new standard clutch to be fitted. And new cable. They're gonna do the cable first, then clutch if the problem isn't resolved. Sounds like a paddle clutch has been fitted

 

[Sean6545]

Get a valeo clutch in there and that will sort your problems.

 

[car.crash]

sounds like a uprated paddle clutch, can the extended arm be fitted to make it more useable. this is what we do on the gtt's when we fit paddles.

 

[staccato]

just checked the receipt and it says 3 piece clutch kit from a company called GSF but it says on it 'send valeo not sachs'

Not sure what that means

It was a MRP of £143 too if that gives any clues

 

[markblack172]

Ask maynard off here he may be able to shed some light, he works for gsf

 

[staccato]

Ask maynard off here he may be able to shed some light, he works for gsf

I'll call them tomorrow and give them the part number

 

[jay s]

sounds like an uprated gt turbo clutch. got one in mine ( also from gsf) very good clutch and take alot of abuse but are rather snappy and heavy tho. most mk1 valvers and Williams have stiff clutches as std tho ( unless you do this pansy soft pedal conversion )

ps does sound like your cable could do with changing tho as mine is snappy from the bottom, it kinda wants to throw your foot of the pedal stright away...

 

[car.crash]

the valeo clutches on the 5's are famous for being snappy and they use a volvo pressure plate iirc. add the extended clutch arm to the box from volvo and it becomes alot smoother and softer.

 

[Daz.]

It does pay to get genuine stuff for mk1's, anything thats wasn't standard renault stuff on the car was mostly swapped for genuine and the car was sooooo much better as a result.

 

[staccato]

ok spoke to GSF and they said the part number just relates to a 'sachs' clutch for a 1.8 or 2.0 litre clio. He cant say if its uprated or standard.

So maybe clutch is ok and it's cable

 

[BRUN]

have you had a Mk1 Clio before ?

might sound like a stupid question but it isnt, they all have very heavy clutches no matter what engine is in em, you will get used to it in a few days/week or so

 

[Yanoo]

Worn plastic pivot point (under the clutch fork, pressed into the gearbox housing) can cause heavy clutch. If your clutch kit and cable are in good condition then my bet is on this pivot point.

 

[staccato]

Worn plastic pivot point (under the clutch fork, pressed into the gearbox housing) can cause heavy clutch. If your clutch kit and cable are in good condition then my bet is on this pivot point.

Thanks.

My friend who strips and rebuilds classic cars said it feels like an issue with the pressure plate.

He said the way the pedal goes solid in the middle of travel, then goes so loose that the pedal bangs against the floor he feels could be pressure plate problem