[Transmission] Question re changing clutch

[timduk]

Hi, I have a 2003 Berlingo Multispace 1.6 petrol, modified by Gowrings to accommodate a ramp for wheelchair access.

My question is to do with replacing a worn clutch.

Is it possible to replace a clutch without removing the passenger side front wheel?

Thanks in advance
Tim Drake

[brodfather11]

What I'm wondering about is why don't you want to remove the front n/s wheel?.

I've never tried it but I think it would be very hard if not impossible to do a clutch change without removing the n/s driveshaft first before removing the g/box. To remove the driveshaft  the lower suspension arm has to be separated from the wheel hub  and while it would be possible it would be very very awkward with the wheel in the way.

[timduk]

What I'm wondering about is why don't you want to remove the front n/s wheel?.

I've never tried it but I think it would be very hard if not impossible to do a clutch change without removing the n/s driveshaft first before removing the g/box. To remove the driveshaft  the lower suspension arm has to be separated from the wheel hub  and while it would be possible it would be very very awkward with the wheel in the way.

[timduk]

Thanks for your reply.

I am in dispute with a garage regarding a clutch replacement.
I paid for a replacement clutch, gearbox cone and clutch cable.
I am unconvinced that the work inside the gearbox was done.

The manager claims that the clutch was replaced without removing the gearbox (ie by splitting from engine in situ).

The mechanic claims that the gearbox was removed in order to change the clutch.

Both claim that it was unnecessary to remove the passenger side front wheel.

There is a plastic restraining strap securing a wheel cover, which was untouched.

I am trying to establish whether it is necessary to remove the wheel.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Tim

[brodfather11]

What were the faults before the alleged work was done ? Could it have been a sticking cable?.

The only time I ever did a clutch without removing the g/box was a Vauxhall combo(I think as it was a few years ago). How it was done was remove the end plate off the g/box behind the front n/s wheel and the main shaft was able to slide out, remove the cover from under the bell housing and undo the bolts holding the clutch pressure plate assy. and the clutch plate fell out.
I don't think the Berlingo set up allows that method.

By carefully looking at the bolts etc. holding the g/box in you should be able to see if they have been disturbed. also signs of oil drips or marks round the drive shaft ends at the g/box. The large hole in the g/box bell housing where the clutch lever goes in there should be a rubber plug that can be popped out to see into the bell housing. If there was a new clutch assy fitted which should be a clutch cover /clutch disc and thrust bearing. If you can use a mirror you should be able to see if they are new.

OR
Take it to another garage and ask them their opinion. they will know what to look for.

If there are other forum members who have done a clutch without removing the wheel , let us know how.

[timduk]

Many thanks for your reply.

When I took the car to the garage, there was a squealing noise coming from the gearbox when the car was in neutral.

The initial diagnosis (made by the garage) was that the release bearing was on the way out.

I was given an estimate for a replacement clutch and gearbox nose cone, as "the bearing has probably melted the plastic cone." When I went to collect the car, I was informed that a new clutch cable had also been fitted, as the old one was sticking, and that it was this that was causing the "damage" to the clutch.

I became suspicious after driving the car for a couple of days. The clutch did not feel like a new clutch. I asked a mechanically minded friend to have a quick look, and it was his opinion that only the cable had been changed, and that he was "70% certain" that the gearbox hadn't been removed as there was no sign of any disturbance around the bell housing bolts, and that the general muck, oil and dirt around the gearbox was undisturbed. And there was also the undisturbed strap on the wheel cover.

I am one step away from doing as you suggest and getting a second opinion from another garage, but it is likely that they will charge me for the privilege of inspecting the clutch. Your opinion has been valuable to me, as it sounds like the garage was feeding me a pile of bull regarding their procedure for replacing the clutch. If I can be confident that the garage has not done as expected, then I don't mind taking the next step of getting confirmation from another garage, paying for it and then pursuing the matter through CAB/trading standards/court and anything else I can think of!

Kind regards
Tim 

[brodfather11]

Get to the CAB/trading standards and also get a expert opinion/written report  from a Citron dealer or reputable garage , ok you may have to pay a labour charge.  That way your mind would be settled one way or another but it would be a strong point in your favour and also any expenses incurred would be repaid in any favourable settlement if it goes further.

What they may have done is to try to defraud you so the police might be interested.

Good luck and let us know the outcome please.    :woop:

[timduk]

Just got car back from being inspected by garage that usually services it. Verdict is that gearbox has been removed and clutch has been replaced, but new clutch appears to be reconditioned rather than new, and gearbox was removed without passenger wheel being removed.

2 year / 20,000 mile warranty applies to work done, so am settling for that as fall back if anything goes wrong.

Thanks for all your help and advice.