Hydraulic or Cable Clutch - How to find out?

S

sam86

Moderator

Feb 18, 2009

9,947

• Nov 6, 2013

• #1

Calling all car people,

I've just purchased a new (used) car, and the biting point is incredibly high, so I thought I'd adjust it. After doing some research, I've found both hydraulic and cable clutches were used in this model, but how does one go about checking? The car has low mileage and is in great condition, so I'm hoping it's not the clutch going on a cable clutch, and is indeed a hydraulic clutch (which are known for having a high biting point).

I'm then hoping it's the type of hydraulic clutch that you can manually adjust. Alternatively, I just get used to it!

Cheers,
Car Novice.

 

D

dougdeep

New member

May 9, 2004

37,732

SUNNY SEAFORD

• Nov 6, 2013

• #2

Some are adjustable and some aren't. That goes for both hydraulic and cable.

 

upthealbion1970

bring on the trumpets....

NSC Patron

Jan 22, 2009

8,865

Woodingdean

• Nov 6, 2013

• #3

What car is it?

What age and mileage?

Chance the seller knew it needs a clutch

 

Last edited: Nov 6, 2013

Goldstone1976

We Got Calde in!!

Helpful Moderator

NSC Patron

Apr 30, 2013

13,784

Herts

• Nov 6, 2013

• #4

Cut the clutch cable. If fluid leaks out, it's hydraulic; if not, it's cable.

Seriously: Haynes manual? Main dealer should also be able to tell you with the VIN number.

 

edna krabappel

Well-known member

NSC Patron

Jul 7, 2003

47,221

• Nov 6, 2013

• #5

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

 

Icy Gull

Back on the rollercoaster

Jul 5, 2003

72,015

• Nov 6, 2013

• #6

New clutch imminent probably

 

S

sam86

Moderator

Feb 18, 2009

9,947

• Nov 6, 2013

• Thread starter
• #7

upthealbion1970 said:

What car is it?

What age and mileage?

Chance the seller knew it needs a clutch

Click to expand...

Fiat Bravo 2001. 65,000. Well looked after.
Bought from a garage with a good reputation.
They are known to have high biting point hydraulics, so fingers crossed that's the case.

 

Badger

NOT the Honey Badger

NSC Patron

May 8, 2007

12,779

Toronto

• Nov 6, 2013

• #8

Icy Gull said:

New clutch imminent probably

Click to expand...

This, I've always thought that a really high biting point means the clutch is almost dead.

 

M

Mutts Nuts

New member

Oct 30, 2011

4,918

• Nov 6, 2013

• #9

sam86 said:

Fiat Bravo 2001. 65,000. Well looked after.
Bought from a garage with a good reputation.
They are known to have high biting point hydraulics, so fingers crossed that's the case.

Click to expand...

Sounds like the clutch is about to go

 

upthealbion1970

bring on the trumpets....

NSC Patron

Jan 22, 2009

8,865

Woodingdean

• Nov 6, 2013

• #10

sam86 said:

Fiat Bravo 2001. 65,000. Well looked after.
Bought from a garage with a good reputation.
They are known to have high biting point hydraulics, so fingers crossed that's the case.

Click to expand...

Fix
It
Again
Tomorrow

They are indeed known for high biting point, however have a look through any history you've got and see if clutch has been done. 65000 miles is approaching the time clutch may well need replacing (depending on driving style of previous owner(s))
If the place you bought it from has a good reputation did you get any warranty?

 

Last edited: Nov 6, 2013

S

sam86

Moderator

Feb 18, 2009

9,947

• Nov 6, 2013

• Thread starter
• #11

Well this sounds promising! Ha.

We've had cars in the past where we've had the mechanic adjust the biting point, and the clutch was fine, hence my lack of concern.

It doesn't shudder, it doesn't struggle to engage, it's just high.

I'll check the paper work when I get back. Garage offered 1 months warranty, or 1,000 miles. They also put it through an MOT and serviced.

 

Icy Gull

Back on the rollercoaster

Jul 5, 2003

72,015

• Nov 6, 2013

• #12

sam86 said:

Well this sounds promising! Ha.

We've had cars in the past where we've had the mechanic adjust the biting point, and the clutch was fine, hence my lack of concern.

It doesn't shudder, it doesn't struggle to engage, it's just high.

I'll check the paper work when I get back. Garage offered 1 months warranty, or 1,000 miles. They also put it through an MOT and serviced.

Click to expand...

Welly it at low speed in 4th gear. Not sure that this is good advice but you'll see if the clutch is slipping I think. *disclaimer I am in no way a mechanic*

 

upthealbion1970

bring on the trumpets....

NSC Patron

Jan 22, 2009

8,865

Woodingdean

• Nov 6, 2013

• #13

sam86 said:

Well this sounds promising! Ha.

We've had cars in the past where we've had the mechanic adjust the biting point, and the clutch was fine, hence my lack of concern.

It doesn't shudder, it doesn't struggle to engage, it's just high.

I'll check the paper work when I get back. Garage offered 1 months warranty, or 1,000 miles. They also put it through an MOT and serviced.

Click to expand...

You might find it it just has a high biting point

Could be worse, you could have a

Fix
Or
Repair
Daily

Or a

Loads
Of
Trouble
Usually
Serious