Clutch problem suddenly

[Daniell148]

Hello

Last night my Octavia was going sound until I got to it this morning when I started it, it wouldn't go into gear. I have to switch it off and place in gear and start and go. The clutch will hold the car but I can't get it back out of gear while she is in gear. My suspicions maybe slave cylinder but mt knowledge isn't great if anyone can help it would be great

[KenONeill]

My first thought too. How are you at clutchless gear-changing? (I've never managed it in my Octy, but could do it in a Citroen Xantia)

[Daniell148]

Yes I'm managing driving it at the moment all though the gears are a bit stiff

[KenONeill]

They would be; the synchromesh is pretty strong.

 

The other possibility is the gear linkage needing realigned, but that shouldn't make selection easier when the engine's not running.

[Daniell148]

When engine is not running gear selection is normal nothing feels different. It's when it's started its like a wall blocking the gear goin into place

[tonymarcella]

deffo sounds like clutch . it il get worse .

[tonymarcella]

deffo sounds like clutch . it il get worse .

[georged30]

Also check the engine mounts especialy the one under the engine.

[KenONeill]

When engine is not running gear selection is normal nothing feels different. It's when it's started its like a wall blocking the gear goin into place

I got that; that's why I think your thought about the slave cylinder is correct. It's the easiest and cheapest thing that would stop the clutch disengaging fully.

[kentphil1]

I got that; that's why I think your thought about the slave cylinder is correct. It's the easiest and cheapest thing that would stop the clutch disengaging fully.

Would agree, start with slave, I suppose it could also be a broken clutch fork, but as you say , slave is cheaper and easier

[Daniell148]

Well now that I do think of it lads, I replaced the starter during the weekend and when I removed it I noticed that the casting that holds the spindle at blown apart due to a bush breaking up in the starter. I wonder if a bit of swarf could be disrupting the slave cylinder operating

[KenONeill]

Ah, that changes things a bit. I take it this was the pinion end bush? If so, then if could have got inside the bellhousing and be interfering with the clutch operation from there, which is a gearbox out job to fix.