FIAT Brava 1.4 80 SX Clutch Problem

Nomee

Hi,
I bought this FIAT Brava 1.4 80 SX a week ago and tested it. It was running smooth and had a full service done as I bought it so above the price I paid £70 for a full service.

Anyway I was driving today and noticed a grinding sound when I tried to reverse the car. Let me explain

As I pressed the clutch it was fine but when I changed the gear to reverse the screetching kind of sound came. As I dont know much about mechanics of car someone may point out the right thing.
I tried to change to reverse couple of times and it gave me this sound again and again. After about 4 times it changed without that sound and car reversed properly.
Then I went to local shopping centre and when I did that reverse again there was smoke coming out of left side and clutch was giving grinding noise and I was not able to change the gear.
I can start the car and its fine. When I press clutch as I press it it gives this sound like something (made of steel) is broken and being grinded inside.
I called breakdown cover and that person did something to at least reverse it on the trailor. What he did was like he changed the gear to reverse first and then turn the key to and suddenly pressed accelerator. Then when he dropped it back at home he did the same thing and put the car in first gear and turned the key and it went into first gear after sliding down the trailor.

I know its a long story but I dont want other thinking of choices. The breakdown guy said its the clutch which has gone and I need to replace it completely. I have seen a clutch kit on ebay and it costs about £50-£60. I am in Manchester and dont have any garage experience but would like to know if someone can give good suggesttion.

1. Is it really clutch or do I need to check anything else as well?
2. If someone else have had same experience how much time and money does it take to fix this thing?
3. Is there any garage in Manchester which is open on Sunday or do I have to wait till Monday to get it sorted.

Many Thanks

anewman

Could be clutch release bearing? Either way it's probably best to get the whole clutch replaced whilst they're in there with a whole new kit whilst they're in there as it's only an extra £50-60 as you say. Unfortunately will cost alot to replace due to labour costs. Call around clutch specialists in your phonebook for quotes to find the cheapest place.

goldspanners

just bare in mind some of the garages will prefer to buy the parts themselves,for 2 reasons,they know exactly what they want,if its wrong they can deal with it, and the get the parts at trade prices and put a mark up on them,so get quotes to fit a full clutch kit,and price to supply and fit clutch kit.you may find it works out cheaper to get the garage to supply and fit.

Nomee

Thanks a lot..will get some quotes on Monday. If anyone been unlucky like me can suggest how much it costs usually.

Keith

I'd post on Fiat Forums and see if there is anyone local who will do it for you, normally it's a few hours labour and the cost of a clutch kit.

For my car a guy on the OC would charge 2 hours labour + Clutch kit = £60+60 - £120, Mr Clutch would charge double.