Clutch Fault?

antodeco · 20-09-2008 1:22pm #1

Hey All,
Just a quick piece of advise needed. Iev noticed since Thursday that when Im driving along, ill push the accelerator, the revs go up (a lot quicker then usual) without actually speeding up, then they seem to hold as the engine catches up and drives along fine. It can happen in any gear at any speed. For example, driving along in traffic, into 2nd gear, the revs start going up (as if my foot is on the clutch) from around 2k - 4k revs, then it holds as the engine catches up. It also happens in 5th gear along the motorway. Doing 100KMH, press the accelerator and the exact same thing happens.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Seperate · 20-09-2008 1:24pm

antodeco wrote: »

Hey All,
Just a quick piece of advise needed. Iev noticed since Thursday that when Im driving along, ill push the accelerator, the revs go up (a lot quicker then usual) without actually speeding up, then they seem to hold as the engine catches up and drives along fine. It can happen in any gear at any speed. For example, driving along in traffic, into 2nd gear, the revs start going up (as if my foot is on the clutch) from around 2k - 4k revs, then it holds as the engine catches up. It also happens in 5th gear along the motorway. Doing 100KMH, press the accelerator and the exact same thing happens.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Sounds like your clutch is slipping...needs to be changed ASAP.

Could be a case of being stopped at lights and it will give up altogether and you're stuck there!

antodeco · 20-09-2008 1:46pm

Thought that happened yesterday, but just ran out of petrol!
Its an 06 Almera. 60k Kms. Always been serviced correctly.
Costly? Would an indy or main mechanic be the best?

eringobragh · 20-09-2008 1:56pm

antodeco wrote: »

Thought that happened yesterday, but just ran out of petrol!
Its an 06 Almera. 60k Kms. Always been serviced correctly.
Costly? Would an indy or main mechanic be the best?

****in ell! Whos coastin the clutch! 60K Kms is pretty ****. My primeras 95 190K MILES! And original clutch etc and its only starting to slip in the last few months, i don't have the heart to change the clutch just yet!

Indy would be your best bet I'd guess at 3 - 6hundred euros.

antodeco · 20-09-2008 2:13pm

eringobragh wrote: »

****in ell! Whos coastin the clutch! 60K Kms is pretty ****. My primeras 95 190K MILES! And original clutch etc and its only starting to slip in the last few months, i don't have the heart to change the clutch just yet!

Indy would be your best bet I'd guess at 3 - 6hundred euros.

Ah balls x 100!

Its not happening in 1st gear. It doesnt always happen on the other gears, but when it does, its always at the same rev point. No issues with finding gears, no burning clutch smell, clutch doesnt feel different. Argh.

Johnathon · 21-09-2008 7:24am

That would deffinatly be your clutch slipping boss. I'm surprised you can't smell the disks burning.

The only thing that puzzles me is that you are saying it isn't doing it in first. In theory if it is your clutch slipping, it should slip in any gear if you get on it.

Slidey · 21-09-2008 8:28am

It slipping when the torque increases.

Heres a tip, when it starts to slip, let off the boot and slowly, yes i'll say it again, slowly re-apply it.

It also helps to be in a gear lower than you need to be, revs high = lower torque so less likely to slip

antodeco · 21-09-2008 9:36am

slideways wrote: »

It slipping when the torque increases.

Heres a tip, when it starts to slip, let off the boot and slowly, yes i'll say it again, slowly re-apply it.

It also helps to be in a gear lower than you need to be, revs high = lower torque so less likely to slip

Thanks for that. Thats exactly what Ive been doing, and it seems ok that way. Guess clutch replacement is the way to go. Argh, really dont have the money. Thanks for all the replies.

Darragh29 · 21-09-2008 2:17pm

antodeco wrote: »

Thought that happened yesterday, but just ran out of petrol!
Its an 06 Almera. 60k Kms. Always been serviced correctly.
Costly? Would an indy or main mechanic be the best?

"A main mechanic", WTF is that!?!?!?!

Eoin · 21-09-2008 2:29pm

Darragh29 wrote: »

"A main mechanic", WTF is that!?!?!?!

Obviously he means a franchised dealer, rather than an indy.

antodeco - not only can it just pack up in traffic, but if you leave it too long it can damage the flywheel. That's what happened to me, and it doubled my repair bill.

Darragh29 · 21-09-2008 2:35pm

eoin_s wrote: »

Obviously he means a franchised dealer, rather than an indy.

antodeco - not only can it just pack up in traffic, but if you leave it too long it can damage the flywheel. That's what happened to me, and it doubled my repair bill.

Some cars now have to have the flywheel replaced anyway, VW Passat's, Ford Mondeo, they have dual mass flywheels which basically fall apart. Get it done asap and don't worry about going to a decent indy garage, a main dealer will charge you a lot to do this job... Shop around for a price, make sure you are getting a full 3 piece OEM replacement clutch kit, ask what brand is being fitted. Above all else, are you getting a guarantee in writing???

antodeco · 21-09-2008 2:56pm

Cool, thanks for the heads up. Im going to try book it in tommorow or Tuesday, as Il be driving round the country by the end of the week. Any ideas on what price I will be looking at?

Darragh29 · 21-09-2008 3:03pm

antodeco wrote: »

Cool, thanks for the heads up. Im going to try book it in tommorow or Tuesday, as Il be driving round the country by the end of the week. Any ideas on what price I will be looking at?

what type of car is it?

antodeco · 21-09-2008 3:12pm

It's a 2006 Almera. Only 62k kms/38k miles on it and been fully serviced as per recommendation, which is more annoying! Only paid a grand a few months ago getting all the pads/shoes and discs replaced too!

Slidey · 21-09-2008 5:51pm

Pads are ok, but no way should the discs need replacing this soon.

As for the clutch, as has been already said, unless you are towing a few bullocks in a trailer every day the clutch should be nowhere near gone yet

Darragh29 · 21-09-2008 5:54pm

antodeco wrote: »

It's a 2006 Almera. Only 62k kms/38k miles on it and been fully serviced as per recommendation, which is more annoying! Only paid a grand a few months ago getting all the pads/shoes and discs replaced too!

Well it's a straightforward clutch replacement job. Is someone learning to drive in this car or something like that??? It sounds a bit premature for a clutch replacement...

antodeco · 21-09-2008 5:58pm

Thats been my thinking, but based on whats happening, it does seem like it is. Its only happening from 2nd up, and not reverse. The car hasnt been right since the last service.
The reason why the discs were replaced were due to worn pads. Had to drive around the country for a few days when it happened, so the discs apparantly became worse. Being honest I think the garage pulled a fast one at the time. They even said my clutch was nearly worn (15k ago) and I laughed at them. I dont want to pay for something I dont need. Argh, I dont know!

Darragh29 · 21-09-2008 6:05pm

antodeco wrote: »

It's a 2006 Almera. Only 62k kms/38k miles on it and been fully serviced as per recommendation, which is more annoying! Only paid a grand a few months ago getting all the pads/shoes and discs replaced too!

antodeco wrote: »

Thats been my thinking, but based on whats happening, it does seem like it is. Its only happening from 2nd up, and not reverse. The car hasnt been right since the last service.
The reason why the discs were replaced were due to worn pads. Had to drive around the country for a few days when it happened, so the discs apparantly became worse. Being honest I think the garage pulled a fast one at the time. They even said my clutch was nearly worn (15k ago) and I laughed at them. I dont want to pay for something I dont need. Argh, I dont know!

Well it sounds like your clutch is defo gone, just from what I've read here.

antodeco · 21-09-2008 6:24pm

True, but they said about the clutch when I brought it back after a burning smell developed the day after I had it serviced with them!

Johnathon · 21-09-2008 7:27pm

When ever I do a clutch job, I always replace the Flywheel (or have it resurfaced). Also, make sure they are going to replace the Throw out bearing. May as well do that while you have it out. You are also going to want them to replace the rear main seal while you have everything apart. You don't want to get it all together and then have an oil leak from your rear main....

Slidey · 21-09-2008 7:35pm

Replacing the crank seal would really be overkill.

Unless it was leaking or starting to look damp I wouldnt bother.

Johnathon · 21-09-2008 8:04pm

slideways wrote: »

Replacing the crank seal would really be overkill.

Unless it was leaking or starting to look damp I wouldnt bother.

The seal I'm saying to replace would be the rear main. Its like a 30 dollar seal, and you are going to have it exposed when the trannsmission is dropped. I really highly recomend that he does that. I have done a couple clutch jobs, and on the first one I didn't replace it. Withing a 1000 miles the clutch started chattering because of a small amount of oil leaking onto the presure plate from the rear main. Its all up to him to replace it or not, but for 30 bucks, I think if you don't you are making a bad choice..........
~Johnathon~

Slidey · 21-09-2008 8:20pm

Johnathon wrote: »

The seal I'm saying to replace would be the rear main. Its like a 30 dollar seal, and you are going to have it exposed when the trannsmission is dropped. I really highly recomend that he does that. I have done a couple clutch jobs, and on the first one I didn't replace it. Withing a 1000 miles the clutch started chattering because of a small amount of oil leaking onto the presure plate from the rear main. Its all up to him to replace it or not, but for 30 bucks, I think if you don't you are making a bad choice..........
~Johnathon~

Well I have doen hundreds of clutches and would be of the opinion to always replace the release bearing and normally the spigot bearing but if you start getting into that attutude why not do the spigot shaft seal in the gearbox too

antodeco · 21-09-2008 8:21pm

Woah, sounds like a lot of things needed to be done all of a sudden?

Would it be standard to replace these when the clutch is being done?

Slidey · 21-09-2008 8:24pm

Release bearing normally would be got with the pressure plate and the clutch disc.

Some cars dont even have a spigot(or pilot) bearing and you only need change it if is rough or play is present.

As for the seals.. my opinion has already been shared on that one

antodeco · 22-09-2008 7:34am

OK grand, thanks for all the responses. Does anyone know a good place I can get this done? (South/West Dublin preferably) and what the cost should be?

Thanks all again

Quazzie · 22-09-2008 7:44am

Try taking off in top gear and you'll definitely know then if it slipping.

antodeco · 22-09-2008 8:01am

Quazzie2002 wrote: »

Try taking off in top gear and you'll definitely know then if it slipping.

Explain that one a bit to me

Slidey · 22-09-2008 8:39am

Thats a way of checking if the clutch is slipping, put it in top, rev it and let out the clutch.

Another, imo, better way is to find a hill and try and drive up it in 2 high a gear, this will normally test the clutch.

I think from what you have said that your clutch is knackered.

antodeco · 22-09-2008 8:45am

Ive gone up hills in 2nd gear no problem over the weekend on it. Its really odd.
Are you saying to put it in 5th gear and see what happens? What should I expect?

Thanks again.

Quazzie · 22-09-2008 8:52am

if you try to take off in 5th the clutch should start slipping. The car revving and then dying down as the clutch gets grip. Basically its all about the feel of it. What it does is it puts an overload on the clutch so therefore reaches the limit in a controlled way. Doing it up a hill is another way of applying an overload and therefore finding the same. If you do these you will know for sure if the clutch is slipping.

Slidey · 22-09-2008 9:00am

If you normally go up a hill in 3rd try it in 4th, then if its not slipping half way up dip the clutch for a second and bury the shoe. If it doesnt slip then it is probably fine.

But from what you have stated already it sounds like it is the clutch alright

antodeco · 22-09-2008 9:11am

Quazzie2002 wrote: »

if you try to take off in 5th the clutch should start slipping. The car revving and then dying down as the clutch gets grip. Basically its all about the feel of it. What it does is it puts an overload on the clutch so therefore reaches the limit in a controlled way. Doing it up a hill is another way of applying an overload and therefore finding the same. If you do these you will know for sure if the clutch is slipping.

Great I shall try that. Let me just get my own words to explain, to make sure I have it right.

Start the engine > Put it in 5th. Start pressing the accelerator and lift the clutch (as normal take off). Should I be expecting the car to start driving or anything or what should I expect?

Sorry for all teh questions, but I just want to make sure Im not expecting the wrong thing to happen!

John_Mc · 22-09-2008 9:51am

Having the same problem myself and finally have the money to get it fixed.

Have a 2002 Ford Focus (1.4l). Can anyone recommend a good independent garage to call for a quote?

Cheers
John

antodeco · 22-09-2008 9:53am

John_Mc wrote: »

Having the same problem myself and finally have the money to get it fixed.

Have a 2002 Ford Focus (1.4l). Can anyone recommend a good independent garage to call for a quote?

Cheers
John

Hi John, whereabouts are you looking for one? If we both go to the same garage, we can try get a deal

John_Mc · 22-09-2008 9:55am

LOL

Looking for South Dublin, preferably near Stillorgan/Sandyford/Dun Laoghaire but will travel if the price is right!

Eoin · 22-09-2008 9:55am

I have to say, that sounds like a lot of work needed for a car that's only done 60K kms.

antodeco · 22-09-2008 10:13am

John_Mc wrote:

LOL

Looking for South Dublin, preferably near Stillorgan/Sandyford/Dun Laoghaire but will travel if the price is right!

Ill travel anywhere. South and South West Dublin suit me perfectly!

eoin_s wrote: »

I have to say, that sounds like a lot of work needed for a car that's only done 60K kms.

I know. It hasnt been right since the last service. Hence why I wanted to make sure that it is the clutch I should be worrying about!

Eoin · 22-09-2008 10:16am

This link was posted on another forum when I asked about possible gearbox problems:
http://www.euroclutch.ie/

It turned out I didn't have any problems to worry about, so I didn't use them at all, so I don't know what they are actually like - but may be worth calling them.

antodeco · 22-09-2008 10:38am

eoin_s wrote: »

This link was posted on another forum when I asked about possible gearbox problems:
http://www.euroclutch.ie/

It turned out I didn't have any problems to worry about, so I didn't use them at all, so I don't know what they are actually like - but may be worth calling them.

Thanks for that. Just banged off a mail to them there!

Baldie · 22-09-2008 1:20pm

John_Mc wrote: »

Having the same problem myself and finally have the money to get it fixed.

Have a 2002 Ford Focus (1.4l). Can anyone recommend a good independent garage to call for a quote?

Cheers
John

This happened me as well in a 2000 Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia. It was happening for a while, and finaly went on Friday evening. Apparently the hydraulics were leaking onto the clutch which was causing it to slip. It's gonna cost me €540 to get it fixed. :mad::mad::mad:

John_Mc · 22-09-2008 1:30pm

Baldie wrote: »

This happened me as well in a 2000 Ford Focus 1.6 Ghia. It was happening for a while, and finaly went on Friday evening. Apparently the hydraulics were leaking onto the clutch which was causing it to slip. It's gonna cost me €540 to get it fixed. :mad::mad::mad:

Where you get quoted for the €540 and is it a clutch replacement?

Tis better than the 650 quoted to me!

Baldie · 22-09-2008 1:36pm

John_Mc wrote: »

Where you get quoted for the €540 and is it a clutch replacement?

Tis better than the 650 quoted to me!

The price was quoted in Limerick. He said the clutch was fine and that the hydraulics need to be replaced.

antodeco · 22-09-2008 4:43pm

Right just tried moving off in 5th. Had to keep the power down while releasing the clutch, but was definitley moving. What should I have been expecting?
EDIT: Think Il go find a steep hill to drive up in 2nd gear and see does it cut out!

antodeco · 22-09-2008 4:49pm

Sorry for the double post, but does coasting along in 1st gear (letting the engine drive in slow moving traffic) cause increased wear on your clutch?

Slidey · 22-09-2008 8:01pm

antodeco wrote: »

Right just tried moving off in 5th. Had to keep the power down while releasing the clutch, but was definitley moving. What should I have been expecting?
EDIT: Think Il go find a steep hill to drive up in 2nd gear and see does it cut out!

You will def fcuk your clutch driving off in 5th.

Find a steep hill, go at it in a gear too high.

Clutch it for a second without letting the rev off, let out the clutch, if it stays revving without a speed increase your clutch is on the way out.. if the revs drop back straight away, its not the problem

As for the coasting along in 1st, will have very little impact on your clutch.

Where do you leave your left foot when your driving? On the floor or hovering over the clutch pedal?

antodeco · 22-09-2008 8:12pm

slideways wrote: »

You will def fcuk your clutch driving off in 5th.

Find a steep hill, go at it in a gear too high.

Clutch it for a second without letting the rev off, let out the clutch, if it stays revving without a speed increase your clutch is on the way out.. if the revs drop back straight away, its not the problem

As for the coasting along in 1st, will have very little impact on your clutch.

Where do you leave your left foot when your driving? On the floor or hovering over the clutch pedal?

Hovering over the pedal! Its a bad habit i have!

I tried going up a hill in 2nd and 3rd (tried twice) and when putting the foot down, the revs were going back up aswelll (once the bite had been gotten).

I was also told to try going from 1st at high revs straight into 5th and see what happens. I tried that, and the power dropped back, but it didnt stall. When I put my foot down the revs werent shooting up.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Pete67 · 22-09-2008 9:01pm

Forget about doing any more tests. Your clutch is finished. Driving the car much further can only increase your repair bill as has already been stated. You can damage the flywheel.

You already told us that you had to replace brake disks and drums due to driving with worn pads. Don't make the same mistake with your clutch. And lose the habit of driving with your foot on the clutch pedal!

antodeco · 24-09-2008 12:00pm

Update: Got a quote for €470 from active transmissions in rathcoole, which was pretty much on a par from the friend of mine who runs a dealership. Dropping it in tommorow morning, so will report back how I got on!

Thanks everyone for all the help on the matter

Clutch Fault?

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