Clutch problem

[dommy8899]

Clutch Problem
The other day while out driving I noticed that coming out of corners or after slowing down that the engine speed seemed to be getting ahead of the road speed and a rasping sound was coming from under the bonnet.
I had great difficulty in getting up to speed and at most could only manage 40mph with this rasping sound now and again.
I suspected a possible clutch problem, and checked the self adjusting cable first, I had no free play at all, I removed the cir clip and tried yanking the cable as suggested in an old post, but trying to drive I again got the rasping sound and very little forward motion, when I push hard on the release lever to its full travel the pedal just flops to the floor, the car is a 1985 1.3L with 80K on the clock and up to a few days was showing no probs at all, in fact it had just passed its MOT .
I have been told by a mechanic that the self adjusting cables very rarely give trouble , I would hate to have to pay for a new clutch fitting (quote £170 ish ) and find that I had not got the cable right.

If i can’t get the self adjuster to work would the best route be fit a new cable, fit a manual , dig in and remove the gear box ?

Thanks
Woody

Ps I have just rung around and their seems to be a variety of prices for cables, factors range from £17 to £30, Rover are asking £27 but need the chassis No to supply the correct cable?

[E_T_V]

How many miles are on the car? it may be a clutch fault, i.e. duff release bearing, worn out friction lining or perhaps even a holed clutch plate.

The job itself is faily easy if you atre willing to get your hands dirty. I did my 1.3 for about 28 quid a couple of years ago at about 100k miles.

[G Force]

Hi there, To reset the cable, leave the circlip in place, push firmly on the clutch release arm at the gearbox towards the floor, then let go and let the clutch cable spring extend naturally to reset free play. Check clutch pedal for correct free play, if there is to much free play at pedal then the cable self adjuster is sticking a little, it may be possible to just gently assist the cable spring to achieve the correct setting but if you have to pull hard on the cable you are best to fit a new cable.

All that said it does sound like in your case the clutch has already worn out and is slipping and requiring replacing. As for the rasping noise could be just the exhaust heat shield rattling due to the extra engine revs.

Cheers Gary :)

[dommy8899]

Thanks for the info will keep you posted if it works
Frank