On leaving the drive yesterday on a cold and frosty morning there was a loud squealing noise for several seconds (a dying cat comes to mind) and the car wouldn't go into second gear. I continued into work and back home in the evening and went in and out again today - the squeal didn't return but the gearchange, particularly when cold, is very stiff or impossible. Second in particular can hardly ever be selected, and curiously when it can, first becomes inaccessible. However 3, 4 and 5 all seem OK and normal. The clutch pedal also feels as it always has done.

The only thing I can readily check is the clutch reservoir which is filled to well above the "MAX" mark (the car was 72,000 mile serviced less than 100 miles ago). Since this fluid has potentially been in nearly ten years, is it something that might need renewal (it's never noted as needing renewal on the service schedule)? Please advise whether this is a sign of a new clutch being required or what else is wrong. (12/99)

However 3, 4 and 5 all seem OK and normal. The clutch pedal also feels as it always has done.

Very curious. I surmise that the clutch was frozen, and may have damaged something, but that's a pure guess and I've got no experience of that happening before. Anyone? Certainly I'm afraid the situation needs investigating ASAP. You might even have damaged the gearbox - if so, you can only do more damage by driving it. Fix it now - it might be saveable - it may not be in two days' time.

Since this fluid has potentially been in nearly ten years, is it something that might need renewal (it's never noted as needing renewal on the service schedule)?

Yes- you should renew clutch fluid every two years. with the brake fluid. It should be pale straw colour, not dark brown. The workshop manual just says to inspect it, but it should be changed - it's the same as brake fluid and is hygroscopic - takes up water, destroying seals, etc. But this has nothing to do with the problems above. Hope I'm being a gloom merchant again and things aren't as bad as I fear! (12/99)
Mine was dodgy 1st / 2nd gear when cold when I bought it - changed the oil in the 'box to redline synthetic and it was loads better all round. Dunno about the squeal, could be the clutch slave cylinder is faulty and not disengaging the clutch plates properly. I think its easy to change. Anyone else got any ideas? (12/99)
Can someone remind me how to check if the clutch is slipping. I seem to remember something about flooring it in 5th and if the revs rocket but the car doesn't accelerate at all then the clutch is gone ?? (3/00)
Yup, 4th or 5th let revs drop to <2000 and then floor it, revs will pickup with out speed until clutch bites again if you see what I mean. 40k is not alot though, mines done 52k and going strong (famous last words :) ) (3/00)
can anyone tell me what the probable cause is of a 'whirring' noise when the clutch pedal is raised with the car in neutral to past what I think is the bite point when in gear? It goes away when the clutch is depressed beyond half way. I have noticed it since I replaced the clutch slave cylinder when the seal failed, or perhaps this is my imagination! Selecting gear does seem more 'notchy' now also.Can the clutch be adjusted? (4/00)

Did you grease the end of the pushrod where it contacts the clutch release arm? Usually the sound this (lack of grease) makes is more of a squeak. Or the noise could be the clutch release bearing, or the clutch release arm moving against its pivot.

The clutch is adjustable - there's adjustment for the rod which goes from the pedal to the master cylinder. Look behind the top of the clutch pedal - you'll need a torch and a triple jointed spine! That adjusts free play in the pedal - you can also adjust the height of the pedal by turning the clutch function switch (in front of the top of the pedal) - disconnect the plug first and reconnect after adjusting. (4/00)