Multispace clutch problem

[jonathan1968]

Hello all,

I hope someone can advise. I've got a 2004 Citroen Berlingo 1.9d Mutispace Forte and have had no problems with the car at all up to now. Yesterday the belt started squealing (as if slipping) and today the car started juddering when putting it into gear. This rapidly got worse 'till it was hard to put into gear at all. Whilst stationary I tried to see if the clutch cable had broken by pressing the pedal but all of a sudden the pedal went flat and the engine stalled.

I've checked the cable and it is fine. Not broken. The arm that the cable attaches to is stuck in a position close to the cable but will not spring back so as to tensen the clutch cable. I cannot move this arm forwards.

Does anyone have a diagnosis of the problem?

Many thanks in advance...

Jonathan.

[JohnM]

Sounds like the thrust bearing or clutch arm has collapsed or the cable has come adrift at the pedal. Compare the clutch arm with a known good example to see if the arm has returned to its normal rest position, if it is stuck much closer to the flywheel than it should be the it's bad news. First give the cable a really close examination to ensure the cable has not come adrift from the pedal or snapped out of view. I assume that these have an automatic adjuster which would be another potential failure point.
If the fault is not at the cable or pedal it is gear box out time I'm afraid.

[jonathan1968]

John,

Thanks for the reply. I unhooked the cable from the arm and asked my wife to press the pedal. The cable moved freely back and forth so I'm assuming the cable is OK, not broken and attached to the pedal. The clutch arm seems stuck resting to the right hand side, not left hand side as you look at it from above. This means it's closer to the end of the cable so no tension. I cannot move the arm at all.

I suppose it doesn't look good. Any ideas on a guide price for replacement inc. labour??

Cheers.

[brodfather11]

It wouldn't have been the belt squealing , it would be the thrust bearing finally going through the fingers on the clutch pressure plate. Usually happens when the clutch lever arm is sticking in the bell housing, new clutch needed. £400 upwards

[jonathan1968]

Thanks brodfather11. This may be a stupid question but is there a way to drive it to a garage?

[Ol'Jeffers]

Thanks brodfather11. This may be a stupid question but is there a way to drive it to a garage?

Yep! Sounds like a new clutch is required. I had mine replaced last year.
Do not be tempted to use Mr Clutch or KwikFit (or similar) as they normally are not aware of all the Berlingo's little peculiarities. We have had quite a few tales of distress from the folks that have used them!
I would look for a Citroen/ Peugeot independent repairer and you'll not only have someone who can do the job properly but will be competitive on price.
Oh! If you are not able to select or change gears then it's either a tow or a trailer job getting it to the repairer.
Good luck with it and get back to us when you've got it done.

[jonathan1968]

Thanks brodfather11. This may be a stupid question but is there a way to drive it to a garage?

Yep! Sounds like a new clutch is required. I had mine replaced last year.
Do not be tempted to use Mr Clutch or KwikFit (or similar) as they normally are not aware of all the Berlingo's little peculiarities. We have had quite a few tales of distress from the folks that have used them!
I would look for a Citroen/ Peugeot independent repairer and you'll not only have someone who can do the job properly but will be competitive on price.
Oh! If you are not able to select or change gears then it's either a tow or a trailer job getting it to the repairer.
Good luck with it and get back to us when you've got it done.

Thanks Ol' Jeffers. I'll take you up on this advice especially the part about the specialist. I'll post a reply back once it's done and let you know. I really appreciate everyone's help. This really is a GREAT forum!

Thanks...

[jonathan1968]

Hello all,

Back again to report on that clutch problem. As suggested by Ol' Jeffers here's what happened (any info is good info right?)

Ok so the arm had stuck and everyhting was gone inside. The garage was a specialist Citroen/Peugeot and they did the following:

Tow to the garage from my home
Replaced clutch assembly
Replaced clutch fork
Replaced clutch sleeve for bearing (?)
Replaced Long Gear Lever Link
Replaced Short Gear Lever Link
Drain and Replace Gear Box Oil.
Cost £620 (inc.)

Then they found the timing was out and had to replace the engine speed sensor after computer diagnostics. Apparently the clutch issue caused this.
Cost £136 (inc.)

They also replaced the timing belt at my request as the car has done 78,000 miles without being changed.
Cost £174 (inc.)

Total cost £930 (inc.)

GULP.

I hope this proves useful to anyone out there.

I will also post another question on accelerator cables as mine is stretched....

Cheers all. Any comments welcome.

Jonathan.

[jonathan1968]

Now the orange engine light remains on. Could this be trouble with the garage adjusting the timing?

Thanks...

[Kokain]

Good to know, that price for the clutch is pretty good I think. For around 450 I can get my hands on a lightweight flywheel and clutch in the future and with my own labour it's not far off. I still can't figure out if these little vans come with dual mass flywheel or what?

Oh actually I just checked ebay and the clutch by itself cost 50gbp