Don't remember my clutch being like this...

[Worsey]

Just had new master and and slave cylinders fitted - master went first, then slave about a week later (although I did buy one of each and thought the indie would fit both when the master went but no biggie). Picked it up this eve and great to have it back so went for a little spin, but I noticed the clutch pedal seems like it did just before either cylinder went: it has a noticeable effect, maybe 3/4 on the upstroke/release, where it seems to hit a point and then almost spring to a full release, a bit like a boing! effect instead of a nice, smooth pedal release (like the wife's C-MAX say). Slightly wary it's going to go again, but as I've just had both cylinders done I'm not expecting it to. Might just be me, it's been a while since I've actually driven it for any lengthy period of time. Or maybe that's how a 24 yr old clutch is. Just thought I'd throw it up in case anyone has a view.

Apols for poor motoring grammar btw, I mean...boing! Heavens sake, man talk proper [].

Cheers
Lee

 

[bmnelsc]

You may be experiencing some binding of the clutch release bearing on the guide tube. My experience went from engaging high up in the pedal travel to engaging way down in the pedal travel (last 1.5" sort of thing) including full engagement of the clutch way down on the pedal as well as release bearing noise at idle. Following some runs up to 6K in 2 and 3 gears it "loosened up" and engaged similar to what you describe. Subsequently changed out the clutch, pilot bearing, release bearing and guide tube and now works well with clutch starting to pick up about the bottom third and fully engaged by about 2/3 of travel.

The mechanics doing the work found a new new clutch disc (and pressure plate I assume). The release bearing "felt good" on hand turning but the center was heavily coated with very thick black grease. So my problem was actually an over greased (and possibly incorrect grease) release bearing on an old scored guide tube. So whoever changed the clutch prior to my ownership did a half-a**ed job that ended in a re-do.

FYI - Sachs only lists one clutch kit for NA 944s now (new part #) - no distinction between regular/S/S2. The new disc has "compound" springs - small springs within large springs rather than 3 large and 3 small separately installed around the hub. This clutch is very low effort and frankly "feels" a bit light duty for the S2 IMHO. If you are shopping for a clutch you might want to track down an earlier kit specified for the S2. I'm not sure if a normal Turbo (220hp) clutch would work - perhaps someone here can confirm yes or no. If yes you might want to use one of those although the current Sachs kit is less expensive than those it replaced.