I hope someone can suggest some advice before I get under my car unnecessarily

I have just bought this car, a 1995 XM VSX Turbo manual. It has been little used for 2 years, apparently. The clutch is very stiff and heavy. There is no slop at all in the pedal and no clutch 'slip'.

Any suggestions??

Hydraulic prob? Cable prob? Other?

Thanks

Brad

If its a 2.5 its hydraulic. Not any old hydraulic though, oh no. Its Citroens special "sealed" hydraulic system

I think all the other clutches are cable. I suppose if its been stood something might have siezed. Does it change gear ok?

If it's done 150,000, the strain will probably be on the cable as the clutch is old and tired.
If this is the same cable as the 2.1 diesel, be warned, they are expensive! unless you can get hold of a secondhand one.

If its been standing for a few months, I would suggest that you try by any means to get some thin lubricant into the ends of the clutch release bearing shaft in the gearbox casing. You will probably say it's impossible, but try a flexible tube and get something there , even if it is only paraffin.

Thank you for all of your replies and help. I'll leave it parked up in the dry til I can lubricate it properly. Being 6 feet 8 I can usually reach most places!

Re Ken Newbold's earlier post, do I take it that 2.1TD clutch cables are only available from Citroen? I don't think I have ever seen them listed in GSF etc's catalogues.

Ken

Malcolm Lockwood got me one at cost, 3 years ago. £55, then.

My 2.0CT VSX has a very light clutch, less that 60k still so I suspect its still the original.
My old one has a clutch like yours, VERY heavy, that one has 160k and is on at least its second clutch (done at 140kish, had it since 114k). If there's an easy way to lighten it up I'm interested in knowing how too.

regards

I improved the clutch operation on my 2.1s by lubricating the bearing on the top of the gearbox where the cable lever is attached, several applications of engine oil my be required over a few days. the cable linkage where it enters the bulkhead to the pedal will also benifit from some engine oil.

Peter.N.