Sudden stiff gearbox

[The Colonel]

Yesterday, my good lady said after a sharp brake, she found that the clutch biting point was down at the bottom and it was now very difficult to get it into gear. Once you do, it drives as normal, but gear changes are bad and there’s a faint smell of clutch. It doesn’t slip when accelerating. It is a 1.4tdi (75)

Before I take it to a garage for a very expensive repair could anyone advise me on what to check.

Thanks.

 

[Proghound]

Clutch and brakes share the same hydraulic reservoir on these. It sounds like there isn't enough hydraulic pressure left to disengage the clutch fully. I'd be checking for hydraulic fluid leaks from any of the metal or flexi pipes, front calipers, rear drums etc. I'd be driving very cautiously to the garage unless it's not local or it's down a long hill, in which case I'd be thinking about getting it recovered there.