I’ve just fitted a new clutch in my Fabia MK1 1.2 2006 but before I complete the work refitting the drive shafts, battery, etc., I thought I would ask if anyone has advice about the position of the clutch release lever. The old clutch was a Sachs and the position of the clutch release lever was hard against the opening in the gearbox housing where the clutch slave cylinder fits. The friction material on the clutch disc was completely missing on the pressure plate side which obviously caused the lack of drive I encountered. I noticed that the Sachs clutch disc has 4 double springs whilst the Valeo has 4 single springs and my impression is that the Sachs clutch and release bearing is meatier than the Valeo replacement. The new clutch feels quite light although it is difficult to compare it with the old one. I would be grateful for any feedback from anyone else who has fitted a new clutch and discovered a similar issue with the clutch release lever. Many thanks.

By the way, I managed to fit the clutch without help and the adventure has been a great learning experience, so if anyone is planning to do the same, I am happy to offer useful tips and advice.

I did the same job on the same car about 6 months ago. I used a valeo replacement however didnt use the supplied release bearing, I bought a genuine sachs replacement. Yes the clutch was VERY light after it had been done which is due to the grease etc on the bearing and input shaft.

I would say its nothing to worry about if you fitted it all correctly. The bite point will obviously be different on the new clutch and may be very high but dont worry about it

 

Thanks Clarendon, your reply has reassured me as I hadn't replaced a clutch before. I'll complete the job and hopefully it will be OK. However I also have to replace the power steering return pipe as I discovered the old one is badly corroded above the suspension, so it's handy that I have the car in bits at the moment! ATVB

It was my first time doing a clutch as well. Was quite concerned when I hopped into car and tried the pedal, felt like it just wasn't connected to anything at all and I had a bit of a panic!

Is the PAS pipe leaking? I know most of them corrode badly due to their position, even my almost rust-free vrs has some corrosion on that part

Fortunately the PAS pipe hasn't leaked but I reckon it would not have lasted the winter. If I hadn't removed the wheel arch lining whilst changing the clutch, I doubt I would have noticed until it failed. I've already bought a used one and I will take the opportunity to replace the PAS fluid aswell. I tried to unscrew the connector on the power steering but it is difficult with a spanner so I intend to cut the pipe off and use a long socket. I had a was surprise when I unbolted the gearbox from the engine as one of the M10 bolts was missing - the one at 2 o'clock as you look at the fly wheel. I am sure it was never fitted because the car was only 18 months old when I bought it from Skoda and there is no sign on the bell housing. I'll bring it up when I call at the Skoda dealer to buy the PAS fluid and see what they say.