V6-24V Clutch advice

[HMG1K]

Hi folks

I need your valued advice on my clutch, please.

Within the last 24 hours, the clutch pedal on my V6-24V has become either lazy - slow to return back to its position when pressed - or on three occasions, simply become 'stuck' in the pressed down position. If I use my foot to pull it back, it's all fine. There's no whining, slipping or juddering when changing gear, simply the slow return or sticking of the pedal. This is all happening around 70% of the time. Otherwise it is fine.

Is this a new clutch? Is it a pump? Something else? Also what sort of cost am I looking at to get this done? Is it a big job? Looking at the How To articles, it seems it's an 8 hour job to replace the clutch. I'm thinking it is a wise choice to avoid a Mr Clutch. Eurospec is an option, but I'm afraid the clutch will go / stick driving it from London to Guildford.

As far as I'm aware my car hasn't had its clutch replaced in its 70k miles, I've had it for the last 15k miles / four years without any hassles.

Thanks, as always, for your advice and guidance. :-)

[psbarham]

try bleeding the system, sounds like a bit of air.

[Nick Mann]

I agree. It certainly sounds like that.

[adaxo]

I got the same issue on my Gal, change piston in slave clutch pump sort this out and clutch start to work as new, cost IIRC ~10£ from dealer and take 30 mins to change

[HMG1K]

Thanks Paul, Nick and Adam - much appreciate it. I don't want to be ripped off. With your combined wisdom I can sound like I know what I'm talking about! :-) Thank you so much!

[HMG1K]

Guys, thanks again for all your advice and pointers. Took the car in at 7.30am today - it's ready, already! Leaky seak. Cost - £86, car tested and re-tested and all good. They bled the system and topped the fluid up! It was @ West 4 Autos in Chiswick, never used them before but great for an 'emergency'. I'll still be using EuroSpec for servicing and the like.

In comparison, Halfords Auto Centre (and this was the manager talking) wanted to charge £49.99 for a diagnostic service first. When I pointed out its website said a clutch diagnostic was offered free, he agreed to wave this charge - and went on to say the part (slave unit) would be around £150 (!!!!!!!!) so, I'd be looking at around a £300 bill including parts and labour! I guess he would have charged too for the unit being inside the gearbox, he suspected it would be. Quick PM to adaxo (thanks, Adam!) I found out the slave is OUTSIDE the box, so it would have been far less labour intensive!

Thanks again guys! CVR4 to the rescue! :-)