Clutch cable help needed

[marcus]

How do I check whether my clutch cable has failed, or has pulled out of the bulkhead, or the clutch itself has failed? I've searched the forum but not found a conclusive answer.

My clutch stopped working just as I was reverse parking outside my house, leaving my 1985 GTL with it's nose sticking out into the road, stuck in reverse. On the journey home I'd noticed it became increasingly difficult to engage 1st and 2nd gear.

Got my other half to try putting it in neutral while I operated the release lever manually but no joy, lever stuck firmly.

Ended up turning the engine over to release it which worked ok.

Now trying to work out whether I need a new cable or a new clutch. How much resistance should there be when manually operating the release lever? There is definite spring tension but it's pretty easy to move (my only previous experience with clutches is 9.5" units on Land Rovers and they're pretty stiff!).

Looking at the bulkhead end, the cable seems to be somewhat angled where I'd expect it to be straight...

Also, as I was fiddling with the clutch release lever, the bits that attached the cable to it fell off and I rescued them but didn't notice the bit of rubber someone mentioned in a clutch cable thread.

Can anyone point me to an article on diagnosing 'rocco clutch cable problems?

[ianaudia4]

Mate, start with the cheapest and easiest options first.
Change the cable and connectors (can still get from VW), if that doesn't work then it is the clutch but always worth fitting a new cable when fitting a new clutch.
You can see if the bulkhead is goosed by taking the cable out, you can still get repair plates from GSF (I think) or someone on here may have a spare one.
Where are you based, someone on here may be able to assist you?
Good luck.

[marcus]

I'm in London N15 (South Tottenham).

Just phoned GSF in Hornsey, they're closing at 3pm and say they don't keep Scirocco cables in stock... :(

[ianaudia4]

Try Euro Car parts in Wembley mate or Big Boys Toys down in Thurrock

[ianaudia4]

Just checked the ECP website, they state they have clutch cables for GTl's in stock in Wembley.

[marcus]

Well, after a three week delay brought on by the inclement weather, I've finally managed to have a look at my problem... and of course it just had to be the cable pulling through the bulkhead....

GTL bulkhead.JPG

Brunty over on the Scirocco UK forum posted a Euro Car Parts part number (640440011 in http://www.sciroccouk.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =7&p=9#p24) for a reinforcement plate. I can't find it on the ECP website, so I've no idea what it looks like.

I've attached an image of the damaged area - does anyone know if the part in question will be suitable and how I'd go about fitting it? Access is pretty restricted...

[81GTi]

well the GSF repair plate will not suffice.


I Believe the mk1 golf version is much bigger as i rescued one from the breakers some years ago, not sure what happened to it though, I will go take a look.

[PeteGLi]

Check out GSF Part Number 71717 - Repair Plate - Large - £9.50 + VAT

[marcus]

Thanks for the tip.

[Brunty]

Looking at that tear in the bulkhead I'd weld it up as best as possible and then fit a repair plate as well. The Euro one is the better but does need to be trimmed to fit.

[jxp]

I just ordered one from here.....see what its like when arrives. Mine has not gone yet so its on my list of jobs to do.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

[Brunty]

Looks like the Euro one.

[marcus]

I was hoping to avoid welding... means taking a lot more stuff out and access is at best a pig, and at worst virtually non-existant... :(

Also, the eBay link describes the item as a Golf Mk1 part, and while I know there's a lot of parts interchangeability between the various generations of Golf and Scirocco, I'd have thought the Golf Mk1 bulkhead must surely be quite different to the Scirocco Mk2?

How much fettling will be required?

[jxp]

I emailed the seller to check fitting and was assured will fit MK2 Rocco, may need a little trim as per earlier posts but seems the right one.

[DT1]

You can have them welded, although as you say it's a bit of a pain.

C&R did a cracking job on mine.

Looking at the damage to your bulkhead, I'm not sure that the plate will be sufficient. It's only a load spreader so it needs something to spread the load to and the damage on yours looks fairly extensive.