Stiff Clutch - Maybe on its way out?

[The_Monk]

When I first start the car, I can hardly get any gear at all, I really have to force it. However after five or ten minutes of running getting warm, it goes back to normal. Anyone know if it about to die on me, my thoughts say yes, but I'm hoping its something relatively cheap (compared to a new clutch) to fix.

Any ideas? Thanks

[Ragman]

Originally Posted by The_Monk

When I first start the car, I can hardly get any gear at all, I really have to force it. However after five or ten minutes of running getting warm, it goes back to normal. Anyone know if it about to die on me, my thoughts say yes, but I'm hoping its something relatively cheap (compared to a new clutch) to fix.

Any ideas? Thanks

Not sure if relevant - had this on a van once. Bled the system through and it was better

[Dave Goody]

My ZT gearbox is always stiff cold, after 5 mins driving all normal, have had this for 4 years so I don't think you should experience a big bill shortly
ps the clutch+ master+ slave all replaced didn't make any difference Dave

[Phil]

Originally Posted by The_Monk

When I first start the car, I can hardly get any gear at all, I really have to force it. However after five or ten minutes of running getting warm, it goes back to normal. Anyone know if it about to die on me, my thoughts say yes, but I'm hoping its something relatively cheap (compared to a new clutch) to fix.

Any ideas? Thanks

Is it any easier to get into gear with the engine switched off when cold?

[The_Monk]

When I say stiff, I have to really force it into gear, it just doesnt feel right, almost feels like something might snap doing it! Moving out of junctions is dangerous as it can be quite difficult to get the car into gear.

Just checked the fluid levels and all seems normal. It should have been replaced about 6months ago on its service, will ring the garage to check

[The_Monk]

Originally Posted by Phil

Is it any easier to get into gear with the engine switched off when cold?

No I tried this when it first did it on christmas eve. Then it went easy and I thought oh well gremlins. Drove it last night, and this morning, both times the same.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by The_Monk

No I tried this when it first did it on christmas eve. Then it went easy and I thought oh well gremlins. Drove it last night, and this morning, both times the same.

So, engine off when cold, still stiff to select gears, that rules out clutch. I would be inspecting the cables first I think.

[The_Monk]

Originally Posted by Phil

So, engine off when cold, still stiff to select gears, that rules out clutch. I would be inspecting the cables first I think.

Is it a car up job? I dislike these, will have to book it in for someone to check.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by The_Monk

Is it a car up job? I dislike these, will have to book it in for someone to check.

You can check the last half of the cable under the bonnet, you can see where they connect to the gearbox. This will be under the battery. IIRC there was a thread by Jamie with pictures showing where his cables had rubbed through on the subframe. Maybe see if you can dig it out and check yours there?

[The_Monk]

Originally Posted by Phil

You can check the last half of the cable under the bonnet, you can see where they connect to the gearbox. This will be under the battery. IIRC there was a thread by Jamie with pictures showing where his cables had rubbed through on the subframe. Maybe see if you can dig it out and check yours there?

Will have a look, thank you! :lol: