Worth replacing my clutch?

Gamefreak501 · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:23

Hello everyone,

I'm in a bit of a predicament. My 12 year old Corsa has done over 108k and I sometimes have difficulty changing gear.

The strangest thing is that there is no pattern to it, sometimes I can drive to work and back and not have any problems - but as I understand, all clutches need replacing eventually down to wear.

It's is a cable-operated clutch, so no clutch fluid - and I have adjusted it all the way to the end of it's adjustment and still the same problem as before.

However, it was purchased as an accident damaged and repaired car over 2 years ago, so I don't expect it's worth much but looking online, I've seen quotes for upwards of £250 for a Clutch replacement (I do actually have a Clutch kit, but a friend and myself didn't have the tools or the time to sort this out).

Owing to the remaining tax/mot on the car as well as the nuisance of this intermittent problem, is it worth repairing, or would you simply scrap it and go for another car?

Any help greatly appreciated.

iaind · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:25

What sort of condition is it in otherwise? Has it been reliable?

Also, have you looked at the gear linkages - if its just difficulty changing gear and no slipping etc, it could be a simpler problem

iaind · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:26

Double post

Gamefreak501 · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:32

iaind said:
What sort of condition is it in otherwise? Has it been reliable?

Also, have you looked at the gear linkages - if its just difficulty changing gear and no slipping etc, it could be a simpler problem

Hi iaind,

It's not in great condition - it's had some welding done to it (a friend kindly did this for me- two holes in the rear floorpans) and someone went into the back of me (that was settled though).

Previously, a family friend and myself put a new head on it as the camshaft was worn - but the head was purchased from a scrapyard.

Aside from that, I change the oil/filter annually and the cambelt was renewed with the head change. I also put a new oxygen filter in it as it needed it.

Besides that, it's been fairly good, but only returns 30mpg (it's only a 1.4).

iaind · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:37

Personally, I'd want to scrap it, although I'd want to scrap most corsas

The thinking should normally be - could you get anything noticeably better for what needs spending on it plus the value of the car, so £300-£400? Assuming you might get a ton for yours.

You probably could, and if you can afford to and are inclined to upgrade then now might be the time to do it

Gamefreak501 · 31 Oct 2010 at 22:43

iaind said:
Personally, I'd want to scrap it, although I'd want to scrap most corsas

The thinking should normally be - could you get anything noticeably better for what needs spending on it plus the value of the car, so £300-£400? Assuming you might get a ton for yours.

You probably could, and if you can afford to and are inclined to upgrade then now might be the time to do it

Haha, very good comment about Corsas

I have been looking at excuses to get rid of it; but I wouldn't sell it with that dodgy Clutch - perhaps it's wise for me to get a few quotes from local Clutch fitters - and if they're too high, I'll buy a much newer car that will return much more mpg.

I'll have to come back with my findings and then I will have to post a 'spec-me' thread!

Thank you for your help here.

zipp0r · 31 Oct 2010 at 23:43

if the clutch is worn and you have a kit, get replacing it, might be a removable plate so you dont need to split engine/box. as for the mpg, its the needless rev's used at 60+mph what drink your petrol. you can fit a wide ratio gearbox, which i can get 40-45mpg quite easily from an astra with a tuned 1.4 sri engine and WR box.

Scania · 1 Nov 2010 at 02:44

Assuming the two are not far apart - I had an old Nova that had an iffy gearchange, replacing the cable made it feel like it had a new 'box!

Work a shot - it was not expensive at all.

Tinders · 1 Nov 2010 at 07:19

If its got tax and test, even a cruddy corsa is worth 400 odd notes, surprisingly the damn things are great sellers!

A clutch isnt difficult to do on a corsa, so it shouldnt cost in the region of 3-400 notes to repair.I'd be surprised if labour is more than £100-£150.

MOOGLEYS · 1 Nov 2010 at 09:20

My wifes corsa had issues getting into gear, sometimes it was fine others it was hell. It turned out it was the Linkage they use plastic ball joints that wear out. This was a corsa C so might be different on yours...