Punto horrible problem with clutch/gears?

snipped-for-privacy@Silico-Research.com (Emmett Power) mumbled:

Clutch dead.

New clutch needed. Budget around 200 quid for one fitted.

Hellraiser...........>

Doesn't sound good at all, and is definately clutch related. There's no point in replacing just the bit which has gone, so budget for a complete new clutch. Getting anyone to stick to a quote could be tricky; depends if there's any more damage inside there. Shop about for a price and bear in mind that some main dealers (not sure about Fiat..) quote based on the job, not the time it'll take...

Slightly off post, but i do recall 2 people getting a clutch in a Metro; quotes said Man-down-the-road would be cheaper than a main dealer by about £20; Main dealer ended up cheaper because other bloke took 2 hours longer than he reckoned (gave a parts +labour price, not an all in...)

Phil

Clutch.

Just had mine done at 65k. Cost £230 all-in.

If you are anywhere near Devon, use "Perfect Service" in Newton Abbot (independent Fiat specialist). He's a nice guy, and reliable.

Oh, and if you have AA option 300, they will tow you to the garage. Otherwise you're looking at £50 for the tow.

Don't use a Fiat main dealer as they will probably charge you over £400!

Al

Hi,

What you described happened to my Punto several months ago. The traval in the clutch petal had shortened considerably so that gear changes were only possible with the petal to the floor.

After a few weeks, the gear change went completely with engagement of first not possible with the engine running.

On stripping the gearbox from the car, it was clear that the thrust bearing had started to carve a groove into the top of the pressure plate springs. I suspect this was due to either the bearing beginning to dry out or else the previous owner resting their foot on the pedal continuously.

After a while, two of the springs broke at the groove, meaning that pressing the pedal only separated one half of the clutch and left the other side still gripping. Thus, the gearbox is not fully disconnected and so selection is impossible.

To cut a long story short, as with what the other posting say, you need a new three piece clutch kit. A good motor factor should be able to get this for about £80. The job itself is straightforward, especially if you have plenty of help. Fiat were looking £260+VAT for the job--other mechanics should charge about £150.

Hope this helps/is of interest

nice to see you mention perfect service, i'm sure pete will be very pleased

Thanks to everybody for your helpful postings.

Looks like I have to find myself a friendly mechanic and budget £200-£300. At least I know what questions to ask.

Alas I have AA membership but not Homestart so I'll have to organise the tow myself.

Regards

Emmett

Pete's a good guy. I notice he now has a website with service prices and special offers on some parts.