Slipping clutch getting worse - how to change it?

Hi,

My wife's Citroën C3 2002 1.4i has a slipping clutch.
She bought it last year at 55K miles and it has since then done about 24K miles.
It was slipping last December (I remember smelling burnt clutch as she drove up a hill in Plymouth) and now it has gotten to the point that it's actually dangerous to drive.
Sadly she can't afford whatever labour a garage will charge us, but I am very mechanically inclined (I do work on my own WRX and GSXR) and willing to spend up to a couple of days to do the job myself.

I've seen a few videos on YouTube on what the procedure is like, and my questions are the following:

• Is there a specific replacement clutch kit I should go for? There seem to be quite a lot online

• Anything in particular I should pay attention to whilst removing the old clutch?

• anything in particular I should pay attention to when installing the new one?

• Other than the clutch itself, is there something else I should/cloud be changing whilst doing this job?

• How many hours am I realistically look at, not having done this before?

• Should I also get some clutch grease?

Most kits seem to have a pressure plate, clutch and releaser?
I'm looking at Sachs kit because I'm under the impression it may be better quality for her, let's say, driving style...

Any responses or advice are highly appreciated!

Hi,

With such a low mileage it may be due to contamination from engine oil that got in there rather than the clutch plate worn out. With that in mind, the extra work of inspecting the clutch for oil and then rectifying the leak would be an additional job.

Another job that is suggested on one that actually has high miles and a worn clutch from use is to change the starter motor if it has not already been done. You have to remove the starter to replace the clutch, most of the work is already done.

LUK do clutch kits toi and some also come with the clutch slave cylinder. On a high miler it would be worth changing the slave, but maybe not yours?

Some links to clutch replacement topics.


Citroen C3 Clutch Replacement procedure


and the link to a great place for clutch kits Euro Car Parts

and our tips section has

this topic - Replacing the Citroen C3 clutch and a picture of the clutch kits parts

Thanks a ton C3Driver52!
I'll keep an eye for oil and possible leaks, I'd imagine the leak might be from the crank seal?
I've checked the links you provided, very useful indeed.

I think I might try another seller for the clutch kit, I've seen better deals than EuroCarParts, e.g., mister-auto, and same item on eBay for a lot less.

Last question, is there any more information of the engine leaking oil to the clutch?
Only topic I've found is Three failed clutches in 8,000miles!

Many thanks again!

Hi alexge233

alexge233 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 11, 2018 4:34 pm think I might try another seller for the clutch kit, I've seen better deals than EuroCarParts, e.g., mister-auto, and same item on eBay for a lot less.

It does pay to shop around. But watch out for poor feedback on ebay concerning non delivery and counterfeit parts.

There is also carparts4less, worth checking for price.

alexge233 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 11, 2018 2:04 pm Should I also get some clutch grease?

Citroen recommend some liqui moly LM47 on the splines that enter the flywheel. But none on the clutch release bearing. It would be best to check what the clutch manufacturer says about any of the grease on the clutch splines. The documentation with the kit will make this clear.

alexge233 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 11, 2018 2:04 pm Most kits seem to have a pressure plate, clutch and releaser?

You can also pick up a Clutch fork because the plastic insert can wear. It quite a common part across Citroen and Peugeot models.

The fork plastic insert acts on a ball and this part is available on ebay - FORK BALL JOINT 212050 which will be worth changing while the clutch fork is out.

alexge233 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 11, 2018 4:34 pm Thanks a ton C3Driver52!
I'll keep an eye for oil and possible leaks, I'd imagine the leak might be from the crank seal?

You are welcome.

The oil can leak from crankshaft oil seal, the sump to cylinder block seal or the transmission input shaft seal. If you discover oil your problems would have just stared


Oh, did I mention the C3 Haynes Manual - on Amazon? It has the clutch job and may others that can give you some light reading before tackling the jobs

Again, tons of thanks you have been very helpful!
I've bought the Haynes manual and will shop around for the clutch kit and alignment tool.
Might actually ask her to take pictures whilst I do it for reference.