V6 Rodeo clutch let go

[Timbo(Rodeo)]

Was waiting at the lights this morning, (fountain round about for anyone in Hobart) had a foot on the clutch pedal ready to take off, when there was a pop/clunk from the clutch and the car stalled. Started it up and put my foot on the pedal again and there was a massive clunking as something spinning was hitting something stationary. And the pedal had gone to the floor. Had to reach down and pick it up off the firewall. Tried pushing it again. Still no good.

Had to turn off the car, slot it into 1st and crank the engine over and drive away before holding too many cars up. Changed gears on the revs all the way to work (another 10kms, Derwent Park)

I'm thinking that either the clutch fork has parted with the clip that is in the centre of the clutch (this is a pull type pressure plate)
Or the clip has come out of the pressure plate centre. Or some other combination of fork, clip/bearing pressure plate interference.

Got a mate coming to have a sticky beak after work, as I have no tools on me.

Just my f'n luck. Hope it ain't a gearbox out fix. Already done it once and aint that keen again.

[lay80n]

Sounds like the throwout bearing has parted with the pressure plate as you said. Get under it and remove the inspection plates on teh side of teh bell housing and have a sticky beak.



Layto....

[Timbo(Rodeo)]

Had a mate from Holden service have a look. Everything looks in place apparently. Have to take the box out and see whats happened.

Or might pull off the slave cylinder first. As when the car is off, I can't push the clutch more than half way in. As though it is being restricted on something.

[sudso]

Usually you have to unclip and remove the fork pin first so the fork comes away from the thrust bearing carrier, to remove the gearbox because of the pull type set up but when they are stuffed like that just lever the box apart from the motor.

Mine came apart pretty easy because the thrust carrier locking collar and spring clip were buggered.

cheers again

[Timbo(Rodeo)]

Good call Layto
Yes the verdict is in, the thrust bearing had dried out, heated up and warn through the inner race which clips into the centre of the pressure plate to pull back. It had seized in there and hence we couldn't just replace the bearing (at $200 retail) so had to go the whole clutch kit. Special rate $600.

In and out between 4:30pm and 7:30pm Not bad at all.

[lay80n]

Layto....