Clutch — troubleshooting (Opel Ascona C)

Symptom/ Cause(s)

Jerks when engaging the clutch/

• The engine or gearbox mounts have become loose
• The driven disk linings are badly worn or oily
• The splines of the gearbox input shaft or the clutch driven disk hub are worn out
• The needle bearing of the drive shaft in the flywheel is worn out (for engines with number up to 14089444).

The clutch is "leaning" (does not turn off), so it is impossible to engage gears* /

• The clearance between the release bearing and the pressure plate is set incorrectly. The splines are rusty (perhaps after the machine has been idle for a long time)
• The clutch basket is damaged or out of adjustment
• The clutch cable is stretched or damaged.

The clutch is slipping (increasing engine speed is not accompanied by an increase in driving speed - especially noticeable on climbs)/

• Incorrect clearance between release bearing and diaphragm spring pins. Driven disc linings are heavily worn or oiled.

Noise when pressing the clutch pedal/

• The release bearing needs lubrication, is worn out or damaged
• The clutch pedal is not adjusted correctly
• The clutch pedal release spring is weak or damaged
• Excessive play between the splines of the gearbox input shaft and the splines of the driven disk hub.

Noise when releasing the clutch pedal/

• The driven disk is deformed
• The cylindrical springs of the driven disk "cushion" are broken or weakened
• The clutch pedal is not adjusted correctly The clutch pedal release spring is weak or damaged

[Material copied from this website www.opelbook.ru]

The gearbox input shaft is deformed or worn out

• The release bearing has come loose on the hub of its separator.

* The clutch may also "drag" if the driven disk is rusted to the pressure plate or flywheel. To release the disc, you need to turn on the handbrake, press the clutch pedal, engage the highest gear and then the starter. If the corrosion is very severe, the engine will simply not turn over, but in most cases you will be able to free the clutch disc. After the engine starts, increase the speed and engage and disengage the clutch several times to clean the disc of rust.