Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Gaffers on 24 May 2018, 11:24:30

Title: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 24 May 2018, 11:24:30
So the missus' Astra cluth has been problematic recently with getting in to gear first thing being intermittently difficult.  I noticed the brake/clutch fluid was very old and flushed the entire system.  Some of it was nearly black when it came out.  This resolved the problem but it came back with a vengeance last night.  The missus popped out and the clutch failed entirely, being impossible get in to any gear with the engine running.  I met her and noticed the fluid was at 'low' in the filler reservoir so I started in first and rev-matched it to get home.  Once the reservoir was topped up and the clutch primed a few dozen times the resistance in the pedal came back and it worked again.  I did notice that the pedal get a little spongy after a few minutes if not used, but once a full press and release is performed the resistance returns and all is well again. 

Everything points to a leak but there are no tell-tale marks on the driveway to indicate fluid is escaping.  Therefore it might be the master/operating cylinder.  I have yet to get it up on the ramps to get a decent look underneath but before I do what the thoughts/advice from the learned masses?
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 24 May 2018, 15:52:01
Any evidence of fluid either in the bulkhead insulation or under the carpet?
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 25 May 2018, 11:57:09
Not that I noticed, but I didn't check.  I will have a look when the swmbo is back next.
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 30 May 2018, 13:41:02
Passenger well is dry.  More research indicates that it is most likely the slave probably letting air in and occasionally dumping a load of fluid (ie not a constant leak.  This can be caused by the DMF bearing having gone causing damage to the slave bearing seal.  At least that is what a local garage has said.  Best case scenario about 400quid for the slave and clutch, or double if the DMF needs to be replaced.

Ouch.
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Nick W on 30 May 2018, 13:53:19
Makes the traditional two bolts and a hydraulic connection £25 external slave look like a good idea doesn't it? You know, the sort you could change while the kettle boiled?
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 30 May 2018, 14:19:26
Makes the traditional two bolts and a hydraulic connection £25 external slave look like a good idea doesn't it? You know, the sort you could change while the kettle boiled?

Yup as soon as I read that it had a concentric slave I uttered something which would be filtered out by the forum's software  :-[

Apparently to drop the GB you also have to drop the subframe. 
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Andy B on 30 May 2018, 14:31:55
....[

Apparently to drop the GB you also have to drop the subframe.

Likewise with the Astra G before it. It's not such a difficult job ..... remember to slacken off the bottom of the steering column  :y
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 30 May 2018, 14:38:53
....[

Apparently to drop the GB you also have to drop the subframe.

Likewise with the Astra G before it. It's not such a difficult job ..... remember to slacken off the bottom of the steering column  :y

Unfortunately I don't have time to do this myself.  So it's a garage job :(
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Andy B on 30 May 2018, 14:54:00
....[

Apparently to drop the GB you also have to drop the subframe.

Likewise with the Astra G before it. It's not such a difficult job ..... remember to slacken off the bottom of the steering column  :y

Unfortunately I don't have time to do this myself.  So it's a garage job :(

 :(
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 07 June 2018, 11:22:04
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 

At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Kevin Wood on 07 June 2018, 11:30:36
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 
<Jinx>
At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D
</Jinx>

FTFY. :y
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 07 June 2018, 11:50:38
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 
<Jinx>
At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D
</Jinx>

FTFY. :y

Thanks buddy!  ::) ;D
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 June 2018, 11:54:43
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 

At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D

More horse shit than the stables at Aintree
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: henryd on 07 June 2018, 11:59:11
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 

At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D

More horse shit than the stables at Aintree

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Gaffers on 07 June 2018, 13:12:00
It turns out that the fluid or grease from the flywheel was leaking on to the starter motor so that needs replacing too.  It can be tough to start sometimes so that fits the overall picture. 

At least the flipping mechanical roof still works (rare) ;D

More horse shit than the stables at Aintree

we'll see when I get back and inspect the old parts :y
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 07 June 2018, 13:15:44
Fluid from the slave trashing the bonding on the dmf with the resultant slurry interfering with the starter perhaps :-\

Dmf itself is a dry part...
Title: Re: My turn for a clutch problem - Astra H
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 June 2018, 16:28:11
Nah, the DMF does have some grease in it and is held due to centrifugal force and complex hard seal.

Those starters never suffer ingress or issues associated with it, the ones that did were on Fords and that was usually the DMF smashing the starter pinion up.