I would be very grateful for some help. I have a 1998/9 Saab 9-3 2.0
SE Turbo.

Over the weekend the local garage replaced my clutch (the previous one
was completely worn out). Now with the introduction of the new clutch,
I encounter the following symptoms:

1. The cluth engages very early - I barely have to lift my foot and
the car leaps forward. In fact, with the clutch down completely the
car will still move slowly on flat ground when in 1st gear.

2. The gear changes are now very stiff when I initally start the car
and drive off. It takes real effort to engage 1st and reverse gear.

3. After driving 5-10 mins the gear changing becomes much easier -
although the clutch is still engaging very early. The car seems to
drive much better at this point when warmed up.

My questions are, is this typical after replacing the clutch and will
things become bearable once the cluth has some use, or is this
something that points to problems of a more serious kind.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

-- Shuaib