240D Clutch Issues

[stcbenz83]

Hello guys,
So im stumped and a bit angry at this new clutch i put in my 240D a few months ago. I replaced it with a Sachs clutch kit (new disk, pressure plate, and bearings.) Eveything went rather smoothly until I started driving it.

It would occasionally 'squeal' or slip' both before and after the clutch replacement but in the last few days, it almost continually slips unless I take it out of gear and put it back in gear. Or rev the squeals out of it. In any case I also noticed that the car will not go above 63 MPH and, it almost seems like the clutch isn't fully engaged.

THinking the slave was the problem, I replaced that yesterday and, the squealing went away!!! For a few hours... But it still wouldnt make it past 63 without a 'surging' fight. By the end of the night, the squeal/screech was back.

I noticed when the car is stopped/off, if i press and release the clutch pedal I get this squeak from either the Master or, from something underneath the car? I got that before and assumed it was the slave as it looked suspect when I was re-installing it after the clutch.

So I have a new Master Cyl on order which should be here tomorrow.. Crossing my fingures hoping thats the problem. I will be adjusting the eccentric on the pedal today in hopes that may help but, Other than that and throwing parts at it, Im at a loss and I'm suppose to leave on Thursday morning with the car to visit a friend in KY.

ANy help or insight would be very much appreciated.

Thanks Much!

[stcbenz83]

I should mention that it will make the squeal noise both with the clutch pedal pressed and in neutral (if i give it some gas). I was reading through posts and one member mentioned something about the gearbox oil being low? ANy thoughts?

[stcbenz83]

Here's a video of what im talking about, I don't know now if its coming from the clutch or belts.. Take a look

W123 squeal - YouTube

Now im just confused... is it my belts?

The noise goes away if I let it warm up before driving. But in the past week or so has been persistently squealing off and on through all gears. We just had a temperature drop from the 90's to the 40/60's which has caused it to start squealing intermittently throughout my trip(s). Dont know if any of that helps or none of it but, in either case.

[pimpernell]

Originally Posted by stcbenz83

Here's a video of what im talking about, I don't know now if its coming from the clutch or belts.. Take a look

W123 squeal - YouTube

Now im just confused... is it my belts?

The noise goes away if I let it warm up before driving. But in the past week or so has been persistently squealing off and on through all gears. We just had a temperature drop from the 90's to the 40/60's which has caused it to start squealing intermittently throughout my trip(s). Dont know if any of that helps or none of it but, in either case.

The way it sounds in the video, I would say it was the alternator belt. You could remove it for a very short test to see if the noise goes away, or you could leave the belt on, and use "belt dressing" which should cause the noise to disappear or diminish in volume. Good luck

[stcbenz83]

Originally Posted by pimpernell

The way it sounds in the video, I would say it was the alternator belt. You could remove it for a very short test to see if the noise goes away, or you could leave the belt on, and use "belt dressing" which should cause the noise to disappear or diminish in volume. Good luck

Thanks I will try that now.. Funny you mention, i looked at my belts and, the alt. belt seemed a bit suspect to me (Slightly loose).

[kerry]

I can't tell which it is. Why would the belts squeal when the clutch is activated? I seem to recall some threads which describe two different clutch forks on the 240d with two different throw out bearings.

[Skippy]

The video seems to display squealing belts. If the alt belt is a little loose, that's probably the one making the noise. Tighten it and the noise should go away. However, the slipping clutch and not getting over 63 mph are not the result of a loose belt. I'm wondering if you got some incompatible parts as Kerry was alluding to.

[zeke]

Why would the car be unable to exceed 63 mph though?

[moon161]

You may have a failed or improper release bearing. This might be indicated if you remove the alternator belt and still have the problem.

BE AWARE THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAN AND WATER PUMP ARE ON THE SAME BELT. YOU WILL PROBABLY OVERHEAT IF YOU DRIVE MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES WITHOUT IT.

[Stevo]

The clutch "slipping", the car not getting above 63 mph, the "squeal/screech"
None of that suggests a problem with the hydraulics. There are two throwout bearings and they look ALLOT alike. Ones for the early 240s and another for the later ones. Are you sure you have the right one, parts receipt? empty box?

[moon161]

The pin of the slave cylinder may be stuck in a corner of the release arm, such that the clutch is always partially released. Hence your release bearing is maybe always loaded and probably worn out. You could also loosen the slave cylinder by backing the bolts out several turns and seeing how it affects slippage and driveability.

[moon161]

Originally Posted by Stevo

The clutch "slipping", the car not getting above 63 mph, the "squeal/screech"
None of that suggests a problem with the hydraulics. There are two throwout bearings and they look ALLOT alike. Ones for the early 240s and another for the later ones. Are you sure you have the right one, parts receipt? empty box?

I suggested this, but I've actually had both installed in the same car (not at the same time). No difference that I can tell.

[Stevo]

Originally Posted by moon161

I suggested this, but I've actually had both installed in the same car (not at the same time). No difference that I can tell.

"No difference"?? I pulled the tranny twice before I figured out the reason why I couldn't get it into gear, or I should say, before someone here enlightened me . I installed the 4 spd tranny from my 1979 into the Euro 1982 that I used the wrong TO bearing in. (I swapped my 4 spd for the 82s 5 spd) Maybe if one was to go the other way...I dont know what would happen, maybe nothing

This is a strange clutch case, That squeal in the video sounded a little more than a lose belt, but I wouldn't put money on it.

[moon161]

Maybe when a some more clutch lining is gone then, I'll find a difference.

[junqueyardjim]

You have not mentioned anything about the clutch smoking and stinking. If the clutch is slipping much at all it will burn and stink and even smoke, and it doesn't take much to get it "stinking" hot. So if you are not smelling it, I don't think the clutch is slipping. Has to be another reason why your car will only go 62 mph. Maybe fuel filters are bad, maybe needs valve adjust bad, maybe the engine is toast.