Imminent Clutch Failure? HDi 90

[WeeDunc64]

Hi

I have noticed over the last year that the clutch has been slipping every now and again at higher revs. Only happens occasionally though, never consistently at any particular revs.

Over the last week however, I think something a little more drastic has occurred. The clutch pedal has suddenly become very heavy compared to usual, and it judders slightly when depressed. Also, if depressed quickly with the window down, I can hear a slight 'fft' - a sound like pressure escaping - I assume from the hydraulic clutch system? No sound eminates when clutch is depressed slowly or at all when released at any speed.

Gears change normally however, although a slight judder when setting off unless I rev higher than usual, and speed and responsiveness has remained the same. I am currently driving it gently and depressing the clutch slowly and as little as possible and it doesn't seem to be getting worse. I have read another post about a clutch going on the forum but it didn't sound like quite the same symptoms. Although I did see the cost of a new clutch being around £250-£350?

Any help or advice appreciated.

Duncan

[lozz]

Hi,

this 'fft' sound you describe above, are you sure its not the Turbo, ? More noticable with the window down,
this is a Typical noise for the 406, ive not Heard one yet that dont have a Whistle,

[WeeDunc64]

Nope the sound definitely isn't the turbo. I hear it when stationary and is dependant on how quickly i depress the clutch pedal. Faster depression makes the noise, doing it slowly does not. I know the hiss of the turbo and this is much different.

[mjb]

Check the hydraulics first - try replacing the brake fluid and bleeding. If you do this, raise the front of the car as high as you can and keep the fluid level as high as possible.

It's much cheaper and easier than changing the clutch