Tight Clutch / High Bite

[SpiderMan1976]

This is my 2nd Clio Sport and I dont remember my old 52 plate Clio being as hard to ride the clutch as it is now (maybe I just dont remember). The biting point is REALLY high up and the pedal movement is extremely tight / springy making pulling off from standstill gently (yes I do sometimes) a little hard as it is easy to stall the way it is. And yes I am not a crap driver I know what feels right. I am more used to it now after a few months, but just wanted to know if this was normal and if there is anything I can do to maybe adjust this so that its easier to drive without afecting performance or involves tons of work. - As there isnt actually anything mecahnically wrong with it...

Thanks

 

[welshname]

high bite means clutch is old and worn.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Most if not all of the RenSprts I've driven are like this...

High and heavy clutch !

 

[SpiderMan1976]

The Clio has only done 54k miles so I hope the clutch is not old / worn. Also how much would it be to have this adjusted / fixed / replaced? - Out of interest.

I would like to drive someone elses 172 / 182 to compare before I can decide whether mine is screwed.

 

[Fletcher]

high bite means clutch is old and worn.

My 2,000 mile clutch must be old and worn then

 

[Silent_Scone]

could be the cables been put in wrong way, makes the clutch feel odd

 

[Dave Hester]

Theres no way to adjust the clutch cable as it's self adjusting

Not sure but the pedal itself may adjust, someone else might know

 

[SpiderMan1976]

Still not getting used to it and its starting to really get on my nerves now. 85% of the clutch arc there is no bite whatsoever, then the final 15% it bites good and proper but this is part of the clutch where its the most tight and springy. This results in often jerky pull aways in 1st gear. My left calf muscle is getting a proper work out every time I drive it, which is not much fun. - I understand these are not easilly adjustable, so how much for a new or reconditioned Clutch!!? I have avoided taking it to a clutch specialist just yet, and I know that Renault will probably charge more than the car is worth!! Cheers for any help on this.

 

[Dave Hester]

My 172 cup is exactly the same, it is a pain but just try and get used to it until its new clutch time

 

[Cookson]

Mine is the same too.

Think I might get a new cable, see how that goes down

 

[fletch8]

Mines the same and 55k

 

[SpiderMan1976]

@cookson - Let us know how you get on with that if you do get a new cable, I love everything else about the car except this. Its fine when flying about but when stuck in traffic or just in town its a pain. Do you think this is the same clutch ride height in the newer 182's?

 

[George182]

I have a 182 and the clutch is very heavy and the biting point is high, as you describe. Its just because it's unassisted, most cars have hydraulic clutch pedals. Coming from a different car it will feel odd/broken.

But you will get used to it.

I did!

 

[la21t]

Ive never stalled a car as much as I have the 172 lol

Mines now creaking, so I know the cover plate is dying a death. Was hoping I didnt have to replace before I sold it but looks like I will.

 

[H182]

Mines always been like this, some one elses 182 I drove was slightly easier, but no where near as light as most other cars. You'll get used to it.

 

[easym5]

@cookson - Let us know how you get on with that if you do get a new cable, I love everything else about the car except this. Its fine when flying about but when stuck in traffic or just in town its a pain. Do you think this is the same clutch ride height in the newer 182's?

I have seen lots of posts about clios having heavy clutches but mine is quite light and bites almost straight away,its always been like this,and no mention of clutch being replaced in the services either done 67000,maybe im just lucky

 

[-J-]

No one near you that you can have a quick sit in the car and a push of the clutch to see how it is in another car?

 

[ddcup]

I have the same problem, 46k miles, very stiff to engage and high bite, very annoying when driving short local journeys ! will be good to see some feedback

 

[Trophy237]

The clutch in my opinion is one of the most exciting part of a clio sport. When i haven't drive mine in a few weeks and driven a shed around once getting back in it immediately gives me that feel of a rs again. Never forget that Feeling

 

[Rob]

I drove a 182 last night on an original clutch, and vs my ph1 172 that's had a new clutch in the last month, mine's a LOT softer and a LOT lower.

So, a new clutch will solve the issues if you're that bothered, just make sure it's lined up perfectly when it's fitted, makes it as smooth as possible.

 

[ddcup]

How much should I budget for, on a 182 ? standard or uprated ?

 

[Rob]

If you're going to pay someone to do it, it's not cheap.

The best part of £750

Standard valeo clutch is fine.

Rentech in portsmouth (traders on here) were doing a very good deal though, worth looking into, around 450 I believe.

 

[ddcup]

If you're going to pay someone to do it, it's not cheap.

The best part of £750

Standard valeo clutch is fine.

Rentech in portsmouth (traders on here) were doing a very good deal though, worth looking into, around 450 I believe.

Will look into that - its a big difference !

 

[DanielG]

If you're going to pay someone to do it, it's not cheap.

The best part of £750

Standard valeo clutch is fine.

Rentech in portsmouth (traders on here) were doing a very good deal though, worth looking into, around 450 I believe.

Interesting - I didn't notice any difference between my 72,000km old clutch and my fresh one in terms of biting point.

 

[aussieclio]

I had a similar problem that was solved with a new clutch cable.

Cheaper to do before forking out for a new clutch.

 

[plasticmorph]

I had a similar problem that was solved with a new clutch cable.

Cheaper to do before forking out for a new clutch.

I've been thinking this, mine feels as described above but the clutch sometimes sounds a bit 'twangy' as i move my foot up and down?

 

[DanielG]

I've been thinking this, mine feels as described above but the clutch sometimes sounds a bit 'twangy' as i move my foot up and down?

Either get it lubed up or replace it.

One of the best things I've done to my Clio was changing the 172 clutch cable with a 182 item - slightly lighter but the difference in terms of smoothness is night and day.

 

[Pl8yer]

Just bought a second hand 182 yesturday. Clutch is hard and quite high bite point too although all local garages have said this is normal on 182 then reeled off a little technical reason why they are like this. I forgot what the reason was but it sounded convincing and im not worried about it.

 

[olliewebbuk]

They're designed for left hand drive, that's mainly the reason.

 

[SpiderMan1976]

No one near you that you can have a quick sit in the car and a push of the clutch to see how it is in another car?

Not sure - if any 172 / 182 owners based in Chelmsford, Essex want to take it for a spin to see then it could be a good test...