Ok, so at the weekend my already quite stiff and very noisey gearbox became almost impossible to put into gear and the what was quite a high bite previously went almost to the floor. As a complete car novice I consulted many posts and determined it was the clutch slave cylinder, as there was next to no fluid in the master cylinder either, not previously noticed . So with the instructions by my side I managed to get it changed and eventually bled. I’ve never done anything like that before so it took me a LONG time!!! Anyway nice firm clutch pedal and I’m a very happy lady
So trying to then move the car out of the garage and the bite is so high, higher than it was, to the point of it engaging as I take the pressure of the pedal altogether. Is this just my clutch finally giving out and needing replacing, probably along with my very noisey gearbox! Or have I missed something?
Hi Lynds, the pedal height and master cyl pushrod are adjustable and it’s definitely worth checking you have some free play on the master cyl pushrod when the clutch pedal is fully up. There are some instructions and measurements in this Mk2.5 manual or perhaps you have the Mk2 manual in case it’s different. It’s a bit cramped working down in the footwell but check for the free play with a finger on the pushrod to check it moves freely and that there is a bit of pedal travel before it starts pushing the rod,
Thanks for that Rich. I’ve finally managed to check it today and all seems to be within the correct parameters. Any other ideas or just a replacement clutch?
On a second note does anyone have any experience with a loud gearbox? When I move the gear stick in neutral, with or without the clutch in use, it makes a knocking/rattle noise?
The hydraulics are self adjusting so not much else to do there I’m afraid. The release point does tend to get higher as the clutch gets older and wears though, becoming more like an on/off switch rather than progressive take-up. I put that down to the leaf spring between the 2 friction discs of the plate becoming compressed and flat and the discs themselves becoming polished so they have a large contact area thus little “feel” and progression with an old clutch. Get a hands-on opinion though before spending out
The gear stick noise may be just the nylon cup on the end of the gear stick broken, a pretty easy job to fix, and check the gear lever gaiters at the same time as they let quite a bit of noise in if they’re split
yes I’m going to get her checked out next week. I’ve already replaced the nylon cup and such over the winter. The noise is coming from under the car (gearbox) so I’ll have the garage check that too!
Jolly Well Done! never mind how long it took, speed is not everything. Achievement is. Just a suggestion if you pull back the rubber boot from the cylinder and push some rubber grease into the cylinder, replace the boot, then push the release rod into the cylinder, clean the end and the clutch release fork into which it fits and grease both with multipurpose grease the action will be smoother and it will eliminate any chatter, which is a common problem.
. So with the instructions by my side I managed to get it changed and eventually bled. I’ve never done anything like that before so it took me a LONG time!!! Anyway nice firm clutch pedal and I’m a very happy lady 
