M3 E36 CLUTCH PROBLEM

[boxter]

Does anyone know why my cars clutch only just engages, plate flywheel all ok, changed hoses but bites right at the bottom ???. Also how long do springs last o/s rear really low ??? Help.

[dan101smith]

Snapped springs aren't uncommon, so check that.

If you mean your clutch is biting at the bottom of the pedal travel, then that's also a common problem, and is fixed with a braided clutch hose.

[kusee pee]

Braided clutch hose should sort this. A common problem, particularly when the engine's hot. Both my E36s have had this problem and it was a pain in the neck. Now it's a totally different car - get the clutch hose anyway even if the problem is something else, it's a great upgrade.

[Mr_Dave]

I've just fitted the braided hose to cure the low clutch problem. The gear change is way better and the biting point 1/2 way up the pedal travel. Good job I did it, the previous owner had fitted a new clutch and I was greeted with a 6 inch long bolt sitting on the plastic undertray - one of the big ones that holds the gearbox to the engine!!! Someone forgot to tighten that one then.......

As a side note, has anyone figured out what the pressure switch is for on the original hose? I've read loads of threads about it, but there's not really been an answer. Like lots of people, I've just left the switch disconnected, but whats it for?

[kusee pee]

Mr_Dave said:

I've just fitted the braided hose to cure the low clutch problem. The gear change is way better and the biting point 1/2 way up the pedal travel. Good job I did it, the previous owner had fitted a new clutch and I was greeted with a 6 inch long bolt sitting on the plastic undertray - one of the big ones that holds the gearbox to the engine!!! Someone forgot to tighten that one then.......

As a side note, has anyone figured out what the pressure switch is for on the original hose? I've read loads of threads about it, but there's not really been an answer. Like lots of people, I've just left the switch disconnected, but whats it for?

Good point, I was unsure about the pressure switch and just left it disconnected. Nothing bad has happened so far...!

[Rupe]

Regarding the clutch pressure switch I checked mine when I replaced the clutch hose with a braided one and found it is normally closed, opening at about half pedal travel. Therefore if it does back off engine power when the clutch is operated you would need to link it out not disconnect it. Still, as said before, no one seems quite sure of its function and whether linking it out or disconnecting it makes any appreciable difference!

Rupe

[kusee pee]

Rupe said:

Regarding the clutch pressure switch I checked mine when I replaced the clutch hose with a braided one and found it is normally closed, opening at about half pedal travel. Therefore if it does back off engine power when the clutch is operated you would need to link it out not disconnect it. Still, as said before, no one seems quite sure of its function and whether linking it out or disconnecting it makes any appreciable difference!

Rupe

Thanks for that. I've felt no difference so it seems not to have hurt anything.

[kensprin]

I've done this mod its much better drive, My hose didnt come with a adaptor for the switch. Dose anyone know what its for or why the ECU needs to know if the clutch is in or not? I've just bypassed it. all seems to work so far.

ken