Clutch Cable

[Xmauritius]

Hi all, having a problem with my clutch cable after removing and refitting the engine and gearbox.
I fitted the cable back onto the gearbox and clutch release lever then when i tried the pedal it was hard then suddenly there was a ping and it dropped to the floor.

I then took the cable back off the gearbox to check it but everything was fine the cable wasn't broken and the pedal and pivot bracket all ok.

Could the cable have stretched?, there is no adjustment on the cable either.
Now when i depress the pedal the cable pulls by about a cm but its not enough to move the clutch release lever.

Mine is a 2.0 Xm 1993.

Rouben.

[noz]

Hi Rouben,

I'm not sure you will want to hear my theory. I have replaced a lot of clutches in my time and your symptoms sound like the lever (usually in the shape of a fork) has become disconnected from the release bearing. It is possible the release bearing was not correctly aligned on the shaft when you rebuilt the engine/gearbox. The only solution is to split them again I'm afraid. Occasionally there's a hole in the bell housing big enough to see through and get access to the release bearing but this is very unusual.

Sorry for not having any better news.

Regards

noz

[bobtee]

Hello reuben.your clutch problem.
If you can put a lever onto the clutch operating arm on the gearbox , and give it a heave over in the normal direction of travel you should be able to feel if there is any resistance from the clutch being opened or disengaged if you like .
It will feel quite hard to move and will be quite springy if its ok .
If it feels slack and not springy when you put pressure on the lever i would think you have a problem inside somewhere.
Are you sure the operating arm is tightley connected to the shaft which transmits movement to the clutch.
Just recently our xantia needed a new operating lever because it snapped at the point where it joins the shaft .
good luck Bob.

[bobtee]

Hi again Roeuben,
Just been thinking ,before my xm i had a xantia diesel 1.9.
I dont know about 2.0 petrolxm but the clutch cable set up was peculiar on the xantia in that the outer of the clutch cable moves the operating lever and the inner cable is fixed and does not move.
No offence intended but you did connect up properly?
The pedal is different it has a strange moving spring affair in a moving linkage all incorperated at the pedal.
Best wishes Bob.

[Xmauritius]

Thanks Bob, i had to cut the end of the cable off at the lever end, just the little bit thats crimped on. i then was able to withdraw the outer part of the cable with the auto adjuster mechanism on it. There was a circular spring (same as what you have on oil seals and valve stem oil seals) that i think had stretched, allowing the adjustable part to move back and forth without gripping it.
I found another spring with enought tension and hey presto it holds now!.

All i have to do now is to find a permanent fix for the end of the cable.