Biting point shifting position???

Guest · Post Thu Nov 03, 2005 11:58 pm

Hi guys Clutch pedal just started going really soft then firms back up again. Clutch isn't showing signs of slipping its just seems to be the pedal. when is goes soft the bite point is right at the bottom but i let off then re apply and its back to half way up?? Really need some help with this one

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:07 am

Sounds like either clutch slave or master cylinder is worn out, if you can afford it then replace both at the same time.

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:15 am

I'll back up what Andy said! My clutch was like this when my master cylinder went on my 325. Replaced it and it was much better. Replaced the slave too and it was awesome! like a new system all together!

Guest · Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:45 am

cheers guys! is it a big job? any special tools?

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:01 am

Not a big job mate. took me about 45 mins in total to do both cylinders and bleed the system. and that includes drinking a cuppa tea too. lol

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:38 am

not exactly the same problem but after driving the car if i leave it running and get out i can hear a rattle kinda sound from it but put my foot on the clutch and it goes away. I was thinking it may well be the clutch slave, could i be right?? Or could one of you kind people offer any other suggestions?

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:22 am

kenwoir wrote:not exactly the same problem but after driving the car if i leave it running and get out i can hear a rattle kinda sound from it but put my foot on the clutch and it goes away. I was thinking it may well be the clutch slave, could i be right?? Or could one of you kind people offer any other suggestions?

I'm not sure exactly but I think the throwout bearing (is that right?) can make a noise when the car is running and in gear but when you push down the clutch pedal it goes away or changes the sound. That is on a lot of cars I think, not just E30 specific, and can be due to the bearing or other parts.

Otherwise maybe it is something in the gearbox.

Aston

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:22 am

SCOTT325SE wrote:Not a big job mate. took me about 45 mins in total to do both cylinders and bleed the system. and that includes drinking a cuppa tea too. lol

Looks like i've been diddled by my local garage then - they did my master and slave cylinders on Wednesday and said it took a good two hours!

Have to agree with the above solutions to the problem though - i had exactly the same symptom and it's all gone now.

I also have the rattling from the gearbox when in neutral with the clutch up - I posted on here about it ages ago and although i cant remember exactly what the response was, i gather it's a very common problem in E30 gearboxes and nothing really to worry about.

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:40 am

It's there when the car is in neutral, i think it's clutch related, most like a bearing or something.

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:44 am

PeteE30Tourer wrote:
I also have the rattling from the gearbox when in neutral with the clutch up - I posted on here about it ages ago and although i cant remember exactly what the response was, i gather it's a very common problem in E30 gearboxes and nothing really to worry about.

It happened with my e36 aswell so could be a common thing with bmw as a whole

Post Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:08 pm

The rattle you refer to comes from the clutch release bearing (also known as thrust bearing or throwout bearing to our American friends)
It normally has no load on it, so with the engine running, any excessive wear shows itself as a rattle.
Pressing the clutch pedal applies a load & takes up all the slack & wear and the rattle disappears.
It's a common fault to most cars on the road once they've either clocked up a few miles or suffered from someone who drives with their foot resting on the clutch pedal. It's a gearbox out job I'm afraid.

Iain S