clutch problems after new install

[e30slidewayz]

I had a new clutch and flywheel installed about a thousand plus miles ago in my '89 325is. It came from bimmerworld, it was a kit containing a kevlar clutch with a lightweight flywheel and all the neccessary bits (bearings, seals, etc.). I took it easy on it for a while to break it in nicely... probably for 750 miles or so. Over the last couple days it has become more and more difficult to shift feeling extremely notchy and grinding sometimes. It seems as though the clutch isn't engaging or something. Sometimes I'll have the clutch pedal pushed to the floor when in first gear and the car will want to pull forward. It's gotten to where I can't even get it into gear hardly; have to use both hand to get it into first. I had to drive it back home and I wan't even using the clutch to switch gears.

What could the problem be? I'm guessing it to be more of a problem with the clutch than the transmission itself... but then again I know enough about transmissions to stay away from them. Any insight on this would be great. I need to pinpoint the issue ASAP as I typically daily it due to my landrover being on its last leg. Thanks in advance guys.

[Madhatter]

could be a few things.

Clutch disc in the wrong way, could have bent/broken any of the straps on the pressure plate, or even have a failing slave cylinder or something.

Did you get a new pressure plate with the kit? did you replace the pilot bearing? is the clutch hydraulic system up to scratch? no leaks or using any fluid?

[e30slidewayz]

Yep, kit came with the pressure plate an everything. Pilot bearing replaced and no leaks that I know of. Taking it up to my mechanic tomorrow to see what he can find. Hopefully it won't be a huge set back. Labor on a clutch is $$$. Sucks though, figure you're done with a certain aspect of an e30 and nope... it's fubared once again.

[jlevie]

Since the clutch worked find for a while and now seems to have problem disengaging a problem with clutch hydraulics seems likely. With no apparent leaks the master cylinder has probably failed. I'd replace the master, slave, and the soft line, bleed the clutch, and then see how it behaves before I considered dropping the transmission.

[vert_this]

U may be able to simply bleed what you have and if the problem goes away yet later returns you know you need to go after something in the hydraulics.

Its what I'd try before I go throwing parts at it.

[e30slidewayz]

Thanks for the info, I'll check all those before having the clutch pulled.