MOT time - a great start!!

[MrRegieRitmo]

Yes it's the day of reckoning again! Was supposed to run the R9 down to my mechanic first thing but as I've learnt, these things never happen without complications! I've just returned home after going with the recovery driver to drop my car at the garage. I hadn't even made it off my drive as the clutch cable broke, it didn't come as a surprise as it's been threatening to do it for some time what with the bite point changing of it's own accord the last couple of months & how I made it to Chichester & back again on Monday I'll never know (12 mile round trip) as it was behaving dodgily the whole way with sort of creaking & cracking noises with the occasional 'snapping' sound but it kept working. The car's not been used for a few days so it was taking a few goes to get it going this morning & to be honest in hindsight it was a blessing that it didn't start straight away because after several depressions of the clutch whilst trying to get it started there was one final loud 'TWANG' and the pedal has now gone floppy & useless! If the car had started straight away it would have broken at some point down the road almost certainly before I reached the mechanic's place, so for that I am thankful because I never actually got the car to move at all! So touchwood, the car's 100% record of never leaving me stranded anywhere is still intact I should be grateful because I haven't had a problem with the car which required a mechanic since...Oooo last June, so that's what? - 8 months or so. The last problem I had?? The clutch cable!!! Had a brand new one fitted because the old one snapped, was repaired then snapped again straight away!So my question is, seeing as I seem to be being plagued by clutch cable problems on this car.....what's the lifespan of a clutch cable? Because I'm sure it must be more than 8 months!! It was a nylon lined one which I was told were more durable...so on that basis, would a non nylon lined one have lasted about 4 months!?Can anybody recommend a clutch cable which will last longer than this, possibly even, dare I say it, last for a few years??! (shock, horror...)

[Volksy]

Clutch cables should last longer than a couple of months Reg, so I would look into the possibility that the clutch itself is on its way out. It maybe that the clutch is too heavy for the cable/plastic ratchet system that they use on the R9/11.The Creaking/Cracking sounds you hear is more than likely the ratchet sysem slipping as the clutch is pressed against the resistance. IIRC R9/11 clutches tend to be on the heavy side.I know they are expensive to replace, but all in all if it stops you getting stranded and going through cables every six months it's gotta be a benefit!

[Timewaster]

There is a problem with clutch cables on 80's Renaults.(I think I have written this before on here somewhere)There was a modification the the plastic ratchet on the pedal, one was white, one black - but this is of no help whatsoever because I can't remember which is which!There are 2 cables available depending on the type of ratchet and there is very little discernable difference between them.In my motor factor days, we refused to sell clutch cables for 5s, 9s and 11s because they were always coming back "faulty" and the manufacturer would reject the claim and we were out of pocket.I would arm yourself with the chassis no., oval plate no and check the colour of your ratchet, then visit your freindly local Renault dealer and be prepared to have your trousers removed!

[Volksy]

Now you mention this TonTops, I do remember something like this years ago.. We had a R11 in for a faulty cable, and were sent a White Ratchet assembly to replace the black one fitted to the car.. I remember it as it was a b1tch to fit!

[nigel bickle]

Ask Paul. He'll sort it.Didnt you buy this, knowing the clutch was dying?

[25v6turbo]

Answer is to buy a genuine cable and maybe even the complete pedal/ratchet.the moody cables snap,and don,t fit correctly,used happen all the time,buy genuine Renault!!But have all the oval plate details to hand,not the reg,its to old,they might get the hump as some dealers can,t look up old crappers,but let me know if you get real stuck.

[MrRegieRitmo]

Ask Paul. He'll sort it.Didnt you buy this, knowing the clutch was dying?

No, the opposite, I was told the clutch had recently been done....it was the gearbox that had a question mark over it, but that has been behaving itself again!