[deep-six]

HI Guys

Working on a 2000 Grand Vitara 2.0 4 door manual trans.
Really hard to change gears, clutch takes up about 1" off the floor. At first I suspected a crook slave cylinder because usually when clutches go bad its either all slip or no disengagement,
But after pulling back the boot from the slave cylinder and finding no leaks I began to wonder.
Then today a mechanic mate suggested cracking the pipe fitting at the master cylinder and bleeding from that point. I think this made a difference but only slightly.
I really dont want to pull the clutch out of this thing and replace it only to find that wasn't the problem.
Anyone had a similar problem and can offer some advise. would much appreciate it.

Cheers

Ric

[GeckoXL7]

Check master cyl. Also try tightening peddle Bolt the long one that all the peddles pivot on. They can wear out. Bend or come lose. Usually changes peddle height on the clutch there for it pretty much engages soon as the peddle is slightly of the floor or really hard to get in gear.

How much play is in the peddle?

[deep-six]

Yep, think I found the problem, mechanic mate took a look at and pretty well straight away figured the pedal pivot bushes were worn out.
Pedal has lots of movement and not translating to slave cylinder.
Good tip for anybody reading this thread in the future.
I ordered new pivot bushes from Suzuki. Haven't fitted them yet but pretty sure this will fix the problem.

Mate got quoted $600 to fit a new clutch which would have done nothing to solve the problem. New bushes from Suzuki, $7 ea

[GeckoXL7]

Yep, Suzuki dealer said my clutch was gone, so replaced it. 850 + 340 for clutch (Mcanic should be retired, last time i used him). Didnt fix the issue, but being a HD clutch the extra strain broke thoughs bushes and the bolt. Replaced it. then worked perfect. Its now the first thing i look at if gears are hard to get in.

[deep-six]

Update on clutch probs

Found pedal pivot bushes were OK, but pivot bolt was bent and master cylinder pivot point on pedal was flogged out. Was a long fix trying to get old bolt out and new bolt in but all good now.
Drilled out flogged out hole in pedal and fitted a brass bush.
Now works like a dream. pedal takes up half way through stroke.
Once again I am documenting all this in case anyone else strikes the same problem.
Lesson here is don't automatically replace the clutch, do some digging first to see what the actual problem might be.