G/box: 5 speed M47: - Clutch questions

Andrew (UK) · Feb 22nd, 2008, 22:53

My clutch has been juddery when hot for a couple of years now, I suspect oil contamination or possibly just wearing out (270,000 on the car). I replaced the master cylinder last weekend as it was leaking fluid into the driver's footwell. I also lengthened the rod connecting the slave cylinder to the clutch fork as the bite point was very close to the limit of travel on the pedal. Now however the bite point is even closer to the limit of travel which makes for interesting driving!
So did I get the rod lengthening wrong? Should I have shortened it? Or is it more likely I got air in the system and just need to bleed it out?

Thanks,
Andrew

Glen Morangie · Feb 22nd, 2008, 23:24

Lengthening the rod would put the bite point nearer the upper limit of pedal travel - if it was nearer the lower limit then this would be right, but it might be due to a bent clutch fork.

If you are getting judder when hot it's often a sign of the clutch plate distorting as it heats up. With your other issues it sounds like it's time to check all of it.

Clifford Pope · Feb 23rd, 2008, 07:22

The length of the rod has got nothing to do with the bite point. An hydraulic system is self-adjusting - the slave piston will move out until it takes up all the slack and then begins to operate the clutch. If you have a longer rod all it does is mean the piston operates over a different range. The point of the different length rods is to accomodate two lengths of slave cylinder, and to make sure that the range of movement is not too close to the end of the bore risking the piston popping out.

John Tancredi · Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:05

In my very humble opinion, it sounds as though your clutch is rather worn. When I've experienced similar symptoms on other cars I've had the clutch replaced and it was found to be well worn... All the best, John.

Andrew (UK) · Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:37

Yes, I'm sure it's worn, I was just trying to avoid the expense at the moment, especially as the gearbox makes a bit of noise in 3rd and 5th and I was contemplating swapping in a different box at the same time as I do the clutch.
I'm going to try bleeding it again just to see what happens.

Mike B · Feb 23rd, 2008, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen Morangie

Lengthening the rod would put the bite point nearer the upper limit of pedal travel - if it was nearer the lower limit then this would be right, but it might be due to a bent clutch fork.

If you are getting judder when hot it's often a sign of the clutch plate distorting as it heats up. With your other issues it sounds like it's time to check all of it.

Hi this happened to my 245 just before the release fork broke ,
Also it sounds as if you have oil on your driven plate and worn, hence judder, it would also account for the operating shaft problem. [you should never need to physically alter the length of it except for normal adjustment if adjustable ] I would suggest it needs a new clutch assy maybe fork [ you would see on disassembly ] and a rear main seal.
Only my opinion
Hope this helps.
Regards
Mike B

940SportsEdition · Feb 23rd, 2008, 12:24

My clutch bites right at the top of the pedal, as does my mates, they are both 940 estates, so I just assumed they are meant to be like this, but maybe I am wrong. Should they be right at the top, or is there some ajustment that can be done to change this.

Andrew (UK) · Feb 23rd, 2008, 13:54

I just bled it again and it's a lot better now, there is actually some travel now before the bite when releasing the clutch. I'll replace the clutch when time and finances allow but for now the car is OK to drive again so I'm happy.

Feb 22nd, 2008, 22:53	#1
Andrew (UK) VOC Member Last Online: Dec 3rd, 2021 08:39 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: Sutton, near Ely	Clutch questions My clutch has been juddery when hot for a couple of years now, I suspect oil contamination or possibly just wearing out (270,000 on the car). I replaced the master cylinder last weekend as it was leaking fluid into the driver's footwell. I also lengthened the rod connecting the slave cylinder to the clutch fork as the bite point was very close to the limit of travel on the pedal. Now however the bite point is even closer to the limit of travel which makes for interesting driving! So did I get the rod lengthening wrong? Should I have shortened it? Or is it more likely I got air in the system and just need to bleed it out? Thanks, Andrew

Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:05	#4
John Tancredi 240inNZ Last Online: Jan 30th, 2009 08:07 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Christchurch	In my very humble opinion, it sounds as though your clutch is rather worn. When I've experienced similar symptoms on other cars I've had the clutch replaced and it was found to be well worn... All the best, John. __________________ 1985 240GL Auto, 290,000km Also: 1997 (Aus) Ford Falcon, 1972 Citroen DS21 Pallas, 1968 Rover 2000, 1961 Fiat 1100 and 1955 86" Land Rover Series One.

Feb 22nd, 2008, 23:24	#2
Glen Morangie Economy motorist Last Online: Aug 13th, 2022 07:48 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London	Lengthening the rod would put the bite point nearer the upper limit of pedal travel - if it was nearer the lower limit then this would be right, but it might be due to a bent clutch fork. If you are getting judder when hot it's often a sign of the clutch plate distorting as it heats up. With your other issues it sounds like it's time to check all of it.

Feb 23rd, 2008, 07:22	#3
Clifford Pope Not an expert but ... Last Online: Today 12:40 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Boncath	The length of the rod has got nothing to do with the bite point. An hydraulic system is self-adjusting - the slave piston will move out until it takes up all the slack and then begins to operate the clutch. If you have a longer rod all it does is mean the piston operates over a different range. The point of the different length rods is to accomodate two lengths of slave cylinder, and to make sure that the range of movement is not too close to the end of the bore risking the piston popping out.

Feb 23rd, 2008, 09:37	#5
Andrew (UK) VOC Member Last Online: Dec 3rd, 2021 08:39 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: Sutton, near Ely	Yes, I'm sure it's worn, I was just trying to avoid the expense at the moment, especially as the gearbox makes a bit of noise in 3rd and 5th and I was contemplating swapping in a different box at the same time as I do the clutch. I'm going to try bleeding it again just to see what happens.

Feb 23rd, 2008, 12:24	#7
940SportsEdition From sweden with love Last Online: Oct 23rd, 2016 00:52 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton	My clutch bites right at the top of the pedal, as does my mates, they are both 940 estates, so I just assumed they are meant to be like this, but maybe I am wrong. Should they be right at the top, or is there some ajustment that can be done to change this.

Feb 23rd, 2008, 13:54	#8
Andrew (UK) VOC Member Last Online: Dec 3rd, 2021 08:39 Join Date: Jan 1970 Location: Sutton, near Ely	I just bled it again and it's a lot better now, there is actually some travel now before the bite when releasing the clutch. I'll replace the clutch when time and finances allow but for now the car is OK to drive again so I'm happy.

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