Clutch Problem

[simps100]

Hi all,

Got a 10 plate fiesta, bought it brand new last year, its done just under 30k miles, and has been serviced regularly.

Ive noticed recently the clutch seems to be abit weird, on the motorway at higher speeds the car will feel like somones very gently pushing on the clutch and off again every now and then.

I know a clutch is somthing which goes after use, but on a year old properly serviced car would anyone say 30k miles is acceptable? Would ford look at this under warranty?

Many thanks

Marc

[Danny87]

Hi Marc,

You're right a clutch shouldn't wear at such a low mileage. I say shouldn't because that's the case in most scenarios. What you are describing sounds like slip, to test this try putting the vehicle in fifth gear at around 25mph and then hitting the gas hard, if the revs build up before you notice the vehicle accelerating it means the clutch is on its way out, however this sort of problem is usually noticed.

You could try speaking to Ford, however I'm a little worried whether they will say it's the way the car has been driven. I'm not saying you ride the clutch, for example, but I feel Ford will try and say this to get out of any warranty repairs.

Hopefully someone can advise further, and you can resolve the problem.

Dan

[Flodman]

Hi Marc,

I also have a '10 plate Fiesta and suffered the same problem. I took the car back to Ford and they admitted that it was a manufacturers error and replaced the clutch for me free of charge the same week.

I would suggest taking it back to Ford, but if they start blaming you get an independent mechanic to double check everything.

Good luck getting it sorted

Flod

[simps100]

So I took it in today, after having my car all day get a call at 5:30 telling me it's ready, get there to be told there is indeed wear but won't be covered under warrenty and have been quoted £712.96!!!

Seems really crazy I've been driving 4 years, don't drive this car any different yet I suddenly am accused of driving it badly, gutted but dont think there's much I can do apart from shop around now

[Danny87]

Awe mate you're joking? Personally I think you would have to be driving it like Ken Block to wear a clutch in that time!

As Floodman said, what you need to do is get an independent mechanic to go over the vehicle and give their opinion. Maybe put it down into writing if they could, as that would help your case if you go ahead and make a complaint and see where you get.

Can I ask what work they have quoted you for? Is that for a clutch kit and labour?

Dan

[simps100]

Awe mate you're joking? Personally I think you would have to be driving it like Ken Block to wear a clutch in that time!

I said somthing along them lines to be told they've replaced clutches on cars which have done 3000 miles and tough basically...

The quotes for tbe whole clutch replacement and labour at a discounted price of £87 a hour