Couple of problems with my Gransport - clutch and rear suspension!

[DPS20K]

Hi all, I've had my Gransport since March and am thoroughly enjoying the experience and I'm looking forward to getting to meet up with some of you at some point. Apart from a problem with the heater control panel, all was going well but I now have two problems that are causing me concern.
The first is that the clutch is not a smooth as it was, clunky engagement especially in first and second, but more worryingly when I first start moving after it has been sat for a couple of days the clutch is very slow to engage properly and seems to stick. The car crawls along for 20m or more and then the clutch comes in suddenly, with a bit of a thump. After a few gear changes it is then okay. According to the service history I have, the clutch and flywheel were replaced 14k miles ago and the release bearing and position sensor were both done 8k miles ago. The transmission fluid was also changed 8k miles ago. Any thoughts no what might be causing this and how to remedy?
The other problem is a metallic clicking coming from the driver's side rear. This happens when you pull away in first, there are a 2 or 3 clicks or ticks that you can only hear with the window open. When you lift off the accelerator the clicks happen again. I've looked at the tied rod, and done the jack up and rock the wheel test and there doesn't appear to be any movement. The ball joints look ok too. Again, any suggestions?

 

[Chrisbassett]

Get the fluid levels checked on the clutch and get a reading on wear from an indie with an SD2 or 3. Also, do you hear the pump prime when you unlock/open the door? If not you may need to look at relays.

 

[conaero]

The clicking is almost definitely your handbrake. When you leave it for long periods with the handbrake on it sticks, you have probably seen this when you get in and try and pull away and you can sense resistance then it cracks and lets go.

This will result in de lamination of the friction lining which will then flop around in the drum.

I would check this first.

After this is sorted, I would check the fluid as others have but to be honest, what you describe is not unheard of. Its probably a sticking clutch release bearing where it is tarnishing from lack of use. You know the answer to this one....USE IT MORE!

14k out of a clutch, its about the point they can start to give up so be prepared to have it replaced.

 

[DPS20K]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions. Not sure the handbrake is the issue, I’ve not experienced the sticking you mention and the car still does the clicking noise when you pull away after driving for an hour or more.
As for the clutch, any recommendations for an Indie near north Hampshire? I've not had to use anybody yet.

 

[Chrisbassett]

If the handbrake is sticking, try applying it gently for a few seconds while you are moving slowly, this should clean off the inside of the drum and the friction plates and may improve the sticking problem. Unless parked on a steep slope many people tend not to use the handbrake, just leave it in gear. On a steep slope, leave it in gear, apply the handbrake and turn the wheel into the kerb...otherwise it may end up creeping down!

 

[Chrisbassett]

http://www.sportsmaserati.com/showt...ts?highlight=Independent+Maserati+Specialists

For a list of specialists...

 

[safrane]

Emblem are close to you and if you call them and book a saturday clinic, which is free, they will highlight any issues even down to non OEM wilerblades...you can't find better service in the UK.

 

[hodroyd]

If your clutch is only 14K I would think it is half worn, mine has done 32K on original so far, but getting close to change now..!! Handbrake, as others have said, if you park with it on and in particular if the car is parked wet, the handbrake shoes will stick, then break off with a crack when you start to move again. This can break the friction material away from the shoe, then the material floats about in the drum. To keep the drums and shoes clean, apply the handbrake 2 or 3 times for a few seconds when moving at slow speed, this will clean off the rust build up which is a cause of the sticking..!! If you apply the handbrake now at low speed and hear scraping, you have lost friction material..!!
You can check the transmission fluid and the PIS (Bite Point) of the clutch, but this crawling along is weird, unless the brake friction material is trying to sieze a wheel up maybe..?? If your levels are low it may take time to build up heat so that the fluid expands enough to make a difference..!! I would head for an Independent and get it checked..!!

 

[voicey]

If you have a sticky clutch release bearing the TCU will log a "Clutch Over PIS" error.