Steering Freeplay issue + Clutch Hose = $1100

[li21]

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask.. in the last few days I have noticed a smell coming from my car.
Its not too strong, but noticable when im stopped at a traffic light or parking. Kinda like rubber burning smell?
Cant tell where its from, but im guessing it could be the clutch?
Car drives and feels like normal. ( i drive a 4ac)

Is this most likely the clutch? What other parts could cause a smell like this?

If I need a new clutch, how much is this likely to set me back?
Are there any specific type of clutches I should get?

Secondly, at my last service I was told that my "brake cable" might need changing soon and somehitng about Steering FREEPLAY needs to be fixed.
Are these big issues that I need to be looked at asap?


thanks

[selk]

yep ur clutch is near the end of the road, not much around $100 for a standard clutch, $300 for a heavy duty item

wats exactly wrong wit the brake cable

[Jason]

25yr car that has play in the steering is not unherd of.... pull the rack and send it in for recon. about $100 + new tierods ends wont do any harm, it gives you that peace of mind that yes the wheels are connected to the steering wheel.

Brake cable thats an intesting one.... hand brake cables? although there no ware on mine at all.

[li21]

Thats a good question.. I should check out what they meant by brake cable.

Will I see a lot of benefit from a heavy duty clutch over a standard one in stock 4ac car? (looking to convert to 4age within 1 or 2 years)

[selk]

nah save ur money & get a standard one for now

[li21]

thnaks Selk.
Damn mechnics not open till new year!

How long has a clutch got left in it when i start smelling that smell.

BTW - A mate told me that a worn clutch should smell like rotten eggs.
mine smells more like burning rubber mixed with leaking gas from a stove. Could that be something else?

[Hen is a total nutcase]

1 - That rubber/burning smell could very likely NOT be your clutch. It may be a small oil leak onto the exhaust manifold or something rubber fallen onto it. The clutch will only start smelling if you slip it a lot (or it is rooted and it starts slipping by itself).

Pop the bonnet while it is running and have a good look/sniff around the engine.

2 - The only brake cable in a Sprinter is the handbrake cable. You can get under it and have a look at it. I've never heard of one breaking or wearing out, though your might be damaged/frayed.

3 - Steering freeplay isn't good. Jack up the front end and try to feel where the play is - tie rods, rack ends, rack, or something else. I was quoted $270 for a rack rebuild last time I asked so it aint cheap. Rack ends and tie rods are more normally priced though.

Good luck
Hen

[selk]

yeah better make sure u havnt got any oil leaking onto the exhaust, oil leaks no good

[li21]

Thanks all will check it out , might post back when ive found out where the problem is

[LordNafe]

Replace rack ends and tie rods ends, will make the steering much better