Hey guys, the problem is that when trying to engage 1st sometimes, the gear just wont go in as if the clutch isnt pressed, the same for reverse sometimes too, then also on times when 1st is already selected and you slow to a stop and go to disengage 1st it just wont come out of gear and feels as if the clutch is still making contact as it tries to pull forward slightly and you can then smell the clutch. and when puling off in 1st on times it feels as if the clutch is sticking slitly as it jumps out at one point if you know what i mean. Any ideas guys? Cheers in advance.

Sounds like the clutch is dragging, next time its messing about turn the engine off and try it, if it then goes its clutch related.

What would be required if thats the case? could it be a case of some sort of crap build up on the clutch or glazing over as i never do fast start or anything in it?

is it the release/thrust? bearing thing that does this?

What would be required if thats the case? could it be a case of some sort of crap build up on the clutch or glazing over as i never do fast start or anything in it?

Replace it.

is it not possible to replace just the release/thrust thing that devonutopia was on about or wouldnt that be the cause of the problem?

I can't see that being the issue and you still have to remove the gearbox to do it anyhow.

My spec clutch sometimes tries to "bite" when I have the clutch pedal fully in, in 1st gear. It's done it from the day I fitted it, so put it down to being one of those quirks with an uprated clutch and a silly light flywheel (or possibly the thrust bearing thingy that came with it) When it does grab it is not hard to just pull it back into neutral and let the clutch up and depress again.

The clutch is so awesome generally though that little things like this don't bother me one little bit. Would be nice to know exactly why it does it. I did notice it seems to do it a little more when on an uphill gradient, in slow moving traffic.

So any idea why the clutch is doing this? cheers also for all the help and replies.

I wouldn't rule out clutch slave cylinder, or maybe even some air in the system. I would have the system bleed, and if that doesn't fix it, the gearbox will need to come out for a good look at the clutch/release bearing and flywheel.

How would one go about bleeding the system or replacing the slave cylinder?

How would one go about bleeding the system or replacing the slave cylinder?

From service manual:

– Fit hose of extraction device -Arrow- onto the bleeder

screw of the master cylinder -1-.

– Open the bleeder screw and by depressing the clutch

pedal allow approx. 0.1 litre of brake fluid to flow out.

– Secure the clutch with the brake pedal depressor, e.g.

-V.A.G 1869/2- in bottom position.

– Tighten bleeder screw and remove the hose.

– Put the clutch pedal in home position.

You can download the full manual from Media Fire.

Can't remember 100% for your car, but if it's the same as the later 6 speed boxes, clutch slave cylinder requires gearbox removal to replace.

Will post link to manuals once I find the link

Here you go,

http://briskoda.net/fabia-i/excellent-free-service-manuals/131010/

The slave cylinder is internal and part of the release bearing, so to replace you have to remove the gearbox.

If it needs bleeding then air has got in somehow, although this would cause a problem with all gears, would cause an issue with selecting a gear but cant see why is wouldnt come out of gear.

How close is the biting point of your clutch to the top or bottom of the pedal when in a gear without the changing issue?? (i.e 2nd - 6th).

My spec clutch sometimes tries to "bite" when I have the clutch pedal fully in, in 1st gear. It's done it from the day I fitted it, so put it down to being one of those quirks with an uprated clutch and a silly light flywheel (or possibly the thrust bearing thingy that came with it) When it does grab it is not hard to just pull it back into neutral and let the clutch up and depress again.

The clutch is so awesome generally though that little things like this don't bother me one little bit. Would be nice to know exactly why it does it. I did notice it seems to do it a little more when on an uphill gradient, in slow moving traffic.

I posted this earlier but it disappeared :confused:

I have the same issue as this after new flywheel/clutch. Except when mine starts to bite moving the lever out of first is harder to do, almost kind of locked. I let go and try again and its fine, just weird.

I had a thicko theory about something being disturbed when it was all fitted, maybe a mount or something, allowing the selection mechanism to lock up a bit. I can live with it until it goes in to be serviced again.

Mine also chatters a lot when the clutch is out in neutral, it didn't before. Any ideas ?

Just sounds like the clutch plate is sticking on the shaft now and again. Clutch kits normally come with a small packet of hight temperature grease to lube up the shaft before you fit the clutch which should prevent this from happening.