Squealing Noise When Pressing Clutch

[jol25]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a 1982 W123 240D Manual Estate. The bodu is mint and it seems to run really well. However, when I press the clutch a loud squealing noise comes from the engine (similar to a fan belt squeal if you know what I mean). The guy I'm buying it off claims that this noise is due to slackening of the clutch cable over a pulley (my understanding of the mechanics is nill unfortuneatly) and that this is due to lack of use and is nothing to be concerned about. Is anyone familiar with this problem? could it be as the owner insists or could this be a larger problem. If it is a problem which can be easily remedied then I would still go for this car,

Jol

 

[garystu1965]

Why not ring a Merc service department ?

 

[andy_k]

It sounds more like a knackered release/thrust bearing to me.

I'd ask the seller to get it fixed before you buy.

If it's "nothing to worry about" like he says then it won't cost him a penny.

If it's the bearing as I suspect then he's the one who'll be paying for the gearbox to be removed and the new clutch.

Please don't fall for this kind of sales talk

Andy

 

[Ian B Walker]

I agree with Andy here. Get him to fix it before you buy or get him to drop the price by what it would cost to repair.

 

[Dieselman]

It could be the clutch spigot bearing. Still a gearbox out job.

If the car has stood for a long time then it MAY go with use but then again...

 

[reme2493]

definatly the clutch realese bearing. that will cost a minimum of 6 hours labour and £150 aprox for parts. round my area that would set me back £400-£500. hope this helps

 

[PJH]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a 1982 W123 240D Manual Estate.
Jol

Looks like the repair will cost more than the car.....

 

[SG CL500]

definatly the clutch realese bearing. that will cost a minimum of 6 hours labour and £150 aprox for parts. round my area that would set me back £400-£500. hope this helps

Blimey - I had a clutch release bearing go on my Mini (first car - OK some 15 years ago).

Took me a couple of hours to change (and I am not the most mechanically minded) and just under a tenner for the part! I know it's a long time ago and a totally different car but what a difference.

Agree totally with reme and others on the diagnosis - exaclty the same symptoms with mine. if you leave it a long time it starts making a really horrible grumbling/grinding sound and you find bits of metal flakes around the clutch when you do take it apart...