clutch Astra H 2005 1.6 Twinport Clutch Issues

[rob_92]

Hi all, first time posting in this forum so apologies if I do a stupid 

Have a 2005 Astra H 1.6 Twinport with 108,000 miles and counting. Serviced every year by a trustworthy reliable mechanic, apart from recently. Was due a service in Feb 2023, which I haven't had done yet.

Recently, I had clutch issues which resulted in me being unable to put the car in or out of gear with the engine running. Even pumping the clutch like a madman (30 odd pedal pumps) did nothing to make it shift in or out. Due to financial constraints, the car sat parked for about 8 months, unused. I then replaced the clutch master cylinder myself in March, and used a Gunsons Eezibleed kit to try to bleed the air out of the system. I have used the kit about 10 times now (3 times incorrectly) and the car will now shift most of the time, but not 100% of the time. Is most noticeable if i travel on 70mph roads, then exit back onto 30mph roads. The clutch will mostly work ok whilst doing 70mph, but feel slightly spongy when returning to 30mph until i pump a few times. Then it is mostly ok again.

Every time i bleed the clutch, i'll let the car sit overnight, so as to let all the air rise to the top of the system. I'll notice some big bubbles for about 2 mins, but then it's clear fluid for the majority of the bleed. I'm going to continue bleeding and see what results I get, but I fear the clutch slave cylinder needs replacing too, which involves dropping the transmission out/ considerably more effort and skill.

Due to a long term foot injury, I am not so eager to try this, as I have heard this is quite a faff. I have a pregnant mrs, who's due in mid June, and would like to be able to drive her to the hospital. I could with the car in the state it's in now, but not if it deteriorates, and don't really want to leave this to chance.

Every time I bleed using the gunsons kit, it will perform better for a day or two, and then seem to get worse again. Perhaps i'm still yet to fully remove all of the air from the system.

Does anyone have any advice they could offer to better help me diagnose the issue here? 

 

Thanks 

 

[Vauxhall Owners Club]

Well it sounds like you have the fluid bleeding procedure off down to a tee and sometimes it can take an eternity to shift all the air so keep going and see how it ends up
If its improving each time then may not have much more left to bleed out

Let us know how you get on with it