Heavy clutch effort

[Radar]

The effort to depress the clutch has increased markedly

Seems to improve once the car has covered a few miles.

Any thoughts?

[AndyC]

I'd suspect your thrust bearing being sticky on the input shaft or resistance in the clutch pedal pivot, basically anything with a mechanical resistance. If it were something like cylinders failing or hose expanding then you may get a greater pedal travel but it should cause a greater effort to be needed.

[marky]

When I first had my excel the clutch was a bit stiff and started getting worse - I changed the slave cylinder as they are known to seize or partially seize and cause the clutch to be very stiff to operate. It made very little difference and then the clutch started slipping occasionally so I gave in and shipped the car down to SJ and had a new clutch and release bearing fitted. When it came back the clutch operation was much lighter and a pleasure to use. As Andy stated it may have been the release bearing or it could have been the clutch completely worn out that was causing the problem. I think the slave cylinder is only likely to be a problem if the car has been standing a long time.

Mark.

[bash]

I agree, a heavy clutch, in the absence of actuation problems, is usually a sign that its getting quite worn, and a new one will be very light in comparison. But, if you can put up with the weight it may do many thousands of miles before it starts slipping. Even if it starts slipping it wont strand you unless mountain climbing. By being careful I did at least 1000 miles on a clutch that showed signs of slipping, which gives you time to save up.

bash

[marky]

Don't leave it too long though - when my clutch was changed Steve described it as "worn beyond worn beyond worn!" - and it had scored the flywheel.

Mark.

[Radar]

Thanks for the feedback chaps, confirmed what I was suspecting