Bravo clutch? problems

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Napoleon Lunch - 31 Mar 2006 20:22 GMT

Hi All,

I have a '95 (N) Bravo 1.4 SX which has developed a problem. I noticed over
the last few weeks that the car was 'juddering' when changing gear - not
every time but quite often. Anyway, I got up yesterday morning and and went
to put the car in reverse to pull out and there was an almighty screech. I
turned the engine off straight away. I then found that I can put the car 'in
gear' when the engine isn't running but otherwise it just won't go. I'm
afraid I know nothing about cars but don't want to take it into a garage
without having some idea of what might be up. I've been told that it might
be the clutch but I'm hoping somebody here can help me further. Anybody like
to offer their help?

Thanks in advance,

Sue

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ato_zee@hotmail.com - 31 Mar 2006 21:13 GMT

> I noticed over
> the last few weeks that the car was 'juddering' when changing gear - not
> every time but quite often. Anyway, I got up yesterday morning and and went
> to put the car in reverse to pull out and there was an almighty screech. I
> turned the engine off straight away. I then found that I can put the car 'in
> gear' when the engine isn't running but otherwise it just won't go.

The juddering has possibly caused clutch thrust bearing failure,
the screech being the knackered bearing. From the age you quote
the clutch has probably been replaced before, the juddering being
caused by a cheap aftermarket trade clutch plate, and they
probably only replaced the plate, and not the bearing at the same time.
Clutches are expensive because of the dismantling and time involved.
Dealerships are the most expensive, a well recommended local
garage is worth getting a quote from. Start asking friends if they
can recommend a garage, then phone around for quotes, including
main dealers, this will give you a feel for the cost. "How
much for a clutch replacement, N reg Bravo, 1.4SX? Don't forget
the "Does that include VAT?"
After that it's up to you.

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Napoleon Lunch - 03 Apr 2006 20:52 GMT

>> I noticed over
>> the last few weeks that the car was 'juddering' when changing gear - not
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> the "Does that include VAT?"
> After that it's up to you.

Thanks for the reply. Did as you (and a friend) suggested and got it in a
local garage. They agreed with what you said the problem was. Hopefully,
pick it up tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Sue

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ato_zee@hotmail.com - 03 Apr 2006 22:10 GMT

> >> I noticed over
> >> the last few weeks that the car was 'juddering' when changing gear - not
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> local garage. They agreed with what you said the problem was. Hopefully,
> pick it up tomorrow.

Pleased to be of assistance. My experience with a batch of (non-Fiat)
aftermarket plates was that a resin had been used in the construction,
maybe the friction material, or possibly a bonding compound. It may
not have been cured properly and left a dark brown viscous and tacky
deposit on both the flywheel and driven plate.
Anyway as the clutch was let in the goo grabbed with a bang and a
shudder, the symptoms you described. Which is why I suggested
a previous clutch job, it's always a bit difficult to diagnose without
knowing the full history. I also notice some clutches have springs
to ease the takeup, other aftermarket ones don't always have them.

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