Peugeot 205 1.8D (non turbo) - Diagnosing Peugeot 205 1.8D clutch problem

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Wed 13 Feb 2013 12:07
Peugeot 205 1.8D (non turbo) - Diagnosing Peugeot 205 1.8D clutch problem - ade_j

My 1996 205 1.8D (non turbo) went rather wrong yesterday evening when the gears seized and the clutch pedal went very limp indeed and is close to the floor. I have done a fair few other things to my Pug but have no knowledge or experience of clutches and gearboxes etc. Having limped the poor fella home in 1st I at least have it on the drive to take a look now. With the engine off I seem to be able to easily move between gears on the driveway. With the engine on (and the car in neutral obviously!) there is a squeal which changes in pitch slightly when I wiggle the limp pedal up and down . Can anyone give me any pointers as to how to go about diagnosing the problem? If it's something as simple as a clutch cable going then I'll have a go at fixing, otherwise if it's nastier then it's off to the mechanic.

Thanks
Ade

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Wed 13 Feb 2013 16:02
Peugeot 205 1.8D (non turbo) - Diagnosing Peugeot 205 1.8D clutch problem - Peter.N.

Hi Ade

The clutch cable would be the place to start. Look on top of the gearbox and you will see a lever whith the cable connected to it, get someone to move the pedal up and down while you watch the lever, if it doesn't move the cable has probably broken. Get hold of the inner and pull on it and it will probably come out, if it doesn't could be a problem where its connected to the pedal.

If the arm is moving OK the problem will likely be with the clutch thrust bearing or the cover plate, both of which will entail removing the gearbox, you will need a Haynes manual to do this, if they are no longer available I expect you will be able to find one on ebay.

Peter

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Wed 20 Feb 2013 17:17
Peugeot 205 1.8D (non turbo) - Diagnosing Peugeot 205 1.8D clutch problem - Andrew-T

This does sound like a snapped clutch cable. It happened to me about 10 years ago in a 205 Dturbo, just outside Hereford - luckily on a gentle downhill so I could cruise onto the verge and wait for the RAC man. He managed to crimp the broken end (gearbox end) and we got home OK. The repair lasted for several months until we sold the car, as getting a new cable down the narrow space behind the engine is no fun, though it is probably better without the turbo.

Way back in the 60s when I had driving lessons in a Mini, my instructor showed me how to change gear without the clutch, by learning to match engine note and road speed. Maybe you could try that? :-)

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