Hi all, I'm looking to buy a 2007 Focus 1.6 Ti-vct 115. The car is in great condition however the biting point on the clutch is very high, as in the last couple of centimetres of the pedal. I've never had a clutch so high. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or whether it is probably on its way? The car has done 70k.

Thanks in advance.

Mine is fairly high and its done 24k , can't tell you if it's normal or not as I've only ever driven one focus, I can however say I have driven lots of different cars including nearly new ones, and some have had high clutches, some low. As long as its not slipping I wouldn't worry too much, a high biting point doesn't necessarily mean its on its way out.

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It's quite a common report on certain cars with hydraulic clutches, to be honest of it pulls well and doesn't show any signs I wouldn't be worried about it

OK, what's the best way to test for a slipping clutch?

When I moved from an Escort to Focus last year, I felt the bite point was a bit higher than what I was used to,

doesn't bother me now, and after driving around Peak District on some very steep roads I know the clutch is fine.

Slipping clutch is probably best if you do the heel toe test. Put your foot on the gas with one part of your foot. Your other part firmly on the brake and then drop the clutch. It should stall very quickly, if there is a delay betwee the drop and the stall, its likely the clutch is slipping.

To be fair I've just bought a 2006 2.0 Tdci Titanium instead, only had 58k on the clock and in immaculate condition.

ive driven a 13 plate fiesta and focus and they both had high clutches compared to other cars ive been in

Its normal on almost all fords easy way to tell at 60mph you will sit at 2800rpm if its slipping it sits higher at around 3000rpm but they are all high

I wish I had the bank to just go buy a new car rather than a clutch :p

I would have still had to have bought the car as well as the clutch, so in theory I've saved money!

haha, two birds!

OK, what's the best way to test for a slipping clutch?

best way to check for a slipping clutch is to put it in 5th at 30 and floor it. if the revs rise faster than the speed, the clutch is knackered.

I have a 1.6 focus 2009.

Clutch I would say is 75% to the top. No problems however

our clutch is around 80% on top, just covered 80k, 2008 1.8tdci. pulls fine no slipping.....

try booting it from 1 gear to another, if it picks up straight away (kinda snatches) its fine.....

OK so we have established the clutch is not slipping on a car I'm no longer going to buy. I've got to say though if the clutch was fine, it would be a rather unpleasant driving experience for the clutch biting point to be in such a high position.

In contrast in the 2.0 Tdci I have bought the biting point is about 60% up the clutch pedal, pretty much spot on to be honest.

glad that you have made a good choice then going for a different car...... sounds like your enjoying the drive also B)

our clutch is around 80% on top, just covered 80k, 2008 1.8tdci. pulls fine no slipping.....

try booting it from 1 gear to another, if it picks up straight away (kinda snatches) its fine.....

my mate tried that with his brothers impreza and he said that the clutch didnt slip. i told him to put it in 5th at 30 and floor it it slipped

will have to keep this noted then...