Advice on Clutch or Gearbox failure

[SteveyD]

Hi all,

I've had my 2.1 DT for 15 months now and done 40K miles in it (146K in total) with hardly any probs at all -I have not noticed any problem with the clutch other than maybe its getting harder to get into 3rd gear (i.e. bite point fine -but hydraulic though??). However this morning was just about to overtake someone when the rev counter jumped into the red and the car lost all power to the wheels. I think this sounds like the clutch and have got it booked in the local garage, but I thought that when clutches went it was impossible to engage gears when the engine was running-I can move the gearstick into each gear without using the clutch, there's a funny rattling noise though.. Is this common clutch failure or has my gearbox input shaft sheared or something? Driveshafts seem fine and the car coasted smoothly to a halt even though it was "in" gear when it went. Clutches seem to be a weak point on these cars looking at past posts?

Lots of really useful information on this site and have a few pointers to other things to rectify on my pug. Its a brilliant car thats the quickest diesel I've had and almost 50mpg! Far superior to my old Audi 80 diesel (may it rot in scrapyard hell!). I have been so impressed by my old Pug that I might even buy another one when a really big bill comes my way. Its got to be good that its going to cost me £500+ to fix and I'm still singing its praises!!

Thanks in advance,

SteveyD

[turbolag]

Sounds like a failure and your clutch is permanently disengaged (ie, as if the pedal was down all the way). Rare on any car to pop like that.

[SteveyD]

Hi,

Thanks Turbolag --spot on. My clutch had completely failed --had this replaced and all is now fine with the car!

Cheers,

Steve