Hi 

I have a MK 4 1998 1.25 zetec fiesta. 

About two days ago the gears started to get stiff to engage and this morning I put the gear in reverse and it almost "smashed" into gear but I couldn't get it out of reverse until I had switched off the engine. 

Now I know it's some sort of clutch problem but up until then the clutch has been fine. 

I just wondered if anyone could tell me, please if I need a new clutch or is it something not quite so drastic. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated 

. Paul 

If the clutch is original from 1998 then it's probably due replacement by now.  Slave cylinder is the most likely culprit, but as the gearbox needs to be removed to replace that, it makes sense to replace the clutch plates at the same time.

It could also be the master cylinder, or a leak on the pipe between the master & slave, so they should definitely be checked before removing the gearbox.

Didn't MK4 still have a cable?

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

If the clutch is original from 1998 then it's probably due replacement by now.  Slave cylinder is the most likely culprit, but as the gearbox needs to be removed to replace that, it makes sense to replace the clutch plates at the same time.

It could also be the master cylinder, or a leak on the pipe between the master & slave, so they should definitely be checked before removing the gearbox.

Apparently when I bought the car in 2018 the clutch had been replaced some time not long before I bought it. 

I think the thing that's upset me most is that my "Friendly" mechanic who I've known since he was an apprentice 30 years ago, seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, so I'm at the mercy of people who I don't know. 

I think you're right though about the slave cylinder as it came on very quickly, it was stiffish for about 3 days before and now it goes into gear but the whole car shudders when you do, I haven't tried to drive it yet as I don't want to have it pack up on me. 

I'm not sure whether to get it fixed or just go for another car, which was the original plan anyway, it's just I have spent a lot recently on the car I. E. two new tyres less than 200 miles ago etc 

 

I have just spoken to the garage and they said it needs a new clutch and quoted me £470 and then said that the flywheel may need machining ???, 

It sounds a little expensive for a clutch on such a basic motor and very rarely have I ever heard of a flywheel needing to be machined. 

I just wondered what others thought. 

1 minute ago, unofix said:

A Fiesta Mk4 1998 model is getting a bit long in the tooth. If you were to think of changing it I'd keep well away from the Mini (oil leaks included for free).

Your best buy would be a Fiesta Mk6 between 2004 and 2008 they generally just go on forever. Parts are cheap and plentiful and there is a wide range of engines and trim levels.

 

19 minutes ago, unofix said:

 

To be honest the reason I like the MK 4 is that I've had it for 6 years it's only got 75k on the clock and I've kept it in good mechhanical condition, I've spent a lot on it including new tyres about a month ago, it's not the prettiest thing but it's great for what I need.

As regards the Mini I wouldn't have one, my brother had one, nothing but trouble and constantly in the garage and the money it cost him was stupid. 

18 minutes ago, unofix said:

 

1 hour ago, rocco1504 said:

I have just spoken to the garage and they said it needs a new clutch and quoted me £470 and then said that the flywheel may need machining ???, 

It sounds a little expensive for a clutch on such a basic motor and very rarely have I ever heard of a flywheel needing to be machined. 

I just wondered what others thought. 

 

1 hour ago, rocco1504 said:

said it needs a new clutch and quoted me £470

I'd guess 4 hours work at say £80 per hour plus parts £150 = £470 seems about right to me.

Doesn't sounds far off to me either.  The job is pretty much the same on a 25 year old Fiesta as a 5 year old Fiesta.  FWD gearbox, driveshafts & hydraulic clutch haven't really changed in decades.

If the clutch is worn so badly that the rivets have scratched the flywheel or it's overheated and creates hotspots, then it may need skimming or replacing.  Though I must admit I've never changed or skimmed a single mass flywheel, so it'll probably be fine.

Thing is though I can't really see the flywheel needing to be machined as the clutch was fine up until about 3 days before it went, and there was no slipping or any noise or anything to say it was packing up. 

I think I'll give the Mini a miss though and just tell them to do the clutch. 

Thanks everyone for all your input it's been helpful. 

18 hours ago, rocco1504 said:

Thing is though I can't really see the flywheel needing to be machined as the clutch was fine up until about 3 days before it went, and there was no slipping or any noise or anything to say it was packing up. 

It's funny the captain of the Titanic was just saying how strong the ship was, and totally watertight right up to just before it sank 🤣 ( Thank you to @StephenFord for that quote )

5 minutes ago, unofix said:

It's funny the captain of the Titanic was just saying how strong the ship was, and totally watertight right up to just before it sank 🤣 ( Thank you to @StephenFord for that quote )

It's also well known round these parts that she was fine when she left here! LOL