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MG MGF Technical - Oh no not another problem

It seems I only visit this board when we (the F the OH & I hot a problem) So I must apologise for this but, after the gear linkage, the broken spring on the gear level, the squeaks, rattles, leaks & the head gasket failure we now have a problem with the clutch. I don't drive the car myself, poor eyesight ;-(, but I drive a computer better than he does so here goes with his explanation of what is happening.

When the car is cold the clutch is very tight & slow to release & slips very badly. (we'd have no chance on a hill start.) As the car warms up the clutch becomes a little more responsive, doesn't slip as much but still remains tight.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance as always.

Sally
S Crowley

sounds like the bearings on the clutch arm, take the engine cover off and get someone to push the pedal whilst you look at the gearbox, the bit that moves is the clutch arm, it runs thru a couple of bearings, if you poor some 3in1 on the shaft it should get to the first bearing, but if the second bearing is sized then you have to split the engine and box (like a clutch change would) to get at it £££ :-(
Will Munns

Oh dear ;(. I guess my next question would have to be does anyone happen to have to hand a copy of the T & C's for the AA parts & labour plus warranty? I know that the standard cover (£457 + £25 excess does not cover the bearings on the clutch) but IIRR the higher level of cover - which the AA no longer offer - did / does cover wear & tear. (Here's hoping)

Thanks Will

Sally
S Crowley

Sally this is likely to be the clutch actuating arm seizing in the gearbox casing as Will has pointed out, the shaft is steel and the casing is aluminium so no bearings as such. Without a bush between the surfaces or some form of lubrication the two surfaces seize. In any event it requires the gearbox removing to replace it and this equates to about 6-8 hours work. While you are at it replace the clutch as well as it may have started to wear prematurely due to the sticking arm.(Total inc vat and parts at a 'reasonable' garage should be in the region of £500)
mike

I guess someone (impartial!) ought to note that Mike Satur sells a modified clutch actuating arm with a grease nipple and a path for the grease to get to each of the friction points. Rather a shame Rover didn't engineer this into an otherwise fairly faultless gearbox :o(
Mike Hankin

yup, another killing he is making;-)
mike

Just a quick update. The lilgreenmomo is off for the Mike Satur treatment tomorrow. (It certainly wasn't going to Horners after they very vaguely said that it might cost £750 - £900 to fix. Sod that I think the phrase is.) But oh the irony, it's warmed up a bit & the clutch is no longer slipping!! Still best get it done to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the advice all

Sally
Sally

This thread was discussed between 20/03/2006 and 24/03/2006

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