Is My Clutch Going?

robobobo

Hey Guys,

I've got an 01 Ford Fiesta Mk4, just got it a couple of months ago (october) and i've got just over 60,000 miles on it

Recently the clutch seems to makes an odd noise, it's hard to describe it, it's kind of like a squel that only happens either in first when it's under pressure ie.hill start just after i've got the bite and started moving and sometimes in second when i don't completely stop but instead balance the clutch and move off again

There's no sign of it slipping in any gears, it's just as responsive as ever... Somebody mentioned to me that it could be the clutch cable needing adjustment as sometimes when i press the clutch pedal in it's like it losses feeling for a bit, like it's loose (i'm not sure if it's a hydraulic clutch or not in that case there could be air in it?)

Is my clutch going and needing to be replaced, or is it just a simple adjustment to the cable?

If I need a new clutch put in who much is this likely to cost?

Thanks a bunch

BrianD3

You're sure it's not a slipping alternator belt? That can produce a squeal as you let out the clutch and move away.

alanmc

I had a similar noise in my old V6. Sounded like a metallic groan when the clutch was being released. It was the clutch release bearing on its way out. Brought the car in and had it replaced. Had the clutch done at the same time.

robobobo

BrianD3 - would the alternator belt slip when you let the clutch out? I thought that would be spinning all the time, or is it only when you engage gear?

BrianD3

robobobo wrote: »

BrianD3 - would the alternator belt slip when you let the clutch out? I thought that would be spinning all the time, or is it only when you engage gear?

Yes, it will often squeal for a few secs when you let out the clutch when moving off but not at other times eg idling, driving at normal speed. Ad yes, the alternator is spinning all the time.

Not many other car problems produce a "squeal", it is a distinctive noise

robobobo

Hmm that sounds like it could be it then, because all other times it's grand and there's no problem with any gears grinding or slipping

So it could just be a matter of tightening the alternator belt? How would I go about that?

johnos1984

Is it possible the clutch pedal/cable just needs a bit of lube as its gone dry.

Used to happen in my old Combo van. I applied a bit of wd40 to where the pedal was hinged and that was the end of that. Mind you the car smelt for a week of wd40 so better options may be available

BrianD3

robobobo wrote: »

Hmm that sounds like it could be it then, because all other times it's grand and there's no problem with any gears grinding or slipping

So it could just be a matter of tightening the alternator belt? How would I go about that?

I'm not familiar with your car but it may be a case of adjusting the position of the alternator to change the belt tension.

It would probably be best to get a garage to look at it as it may need a new belt and you won't go far if the belt breaks. Should be a small job to adjust or replace a belt.

YouTookMyName

Put the gear into 4th and lift the clutch if it takes off your clutch is on the way out if it conks it's not the clutch plate itself. This could wipe out your clutch altogether so don't do it somewhere far from home!

cruizer101

This method confuses me, if you want you can get a car to take off in 5th on the flat by slowly balancing your clutch and accelerator, probably not a good thing to do but possible.