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Slipping clutch
edsco - 2/3/11 at 07:38 PM

Hi all,
I have a 57 plate new style mondeo, done circa 66k miles. The clutch seems to have started to slip. I know this due to the engine racing disproptionate to my speed when accelerating. Whilst I accept the clutch might be on it's way out due to the previos owner being a prolific caravaner (no offence to all u caravaners out there!) but is there anyway the clutch can be adjusted to eeekk a little more life out of it? Appreciate I don't want to wear it too thin cause might damage fly wheel but just seems a little premature to be going at just 66k miles. Thoughts?


prawnabie - 2/3/11 at 07:41 PM

Unless the pedal isn't returning fully there is no adjustment on hydraulic systems + you might as well change the flywheel or get a solid flywheel conversion.

[Edited on 2/3/11 by prawnabie]

[Edited on 2/3/11 by prawnabie]


Mark G - 2/3/11 at 07:45 PM

66k isn't too bad for a clutch if its been a tow car. As above, no adjustment available. Just get it done sooner rather than later or you risk more damage / total failure.


edsco - 2/3/11 at 07:59 PM

Thanks guys. More money to Ford then! Question... What exactly is a solid flywheel conversion? Advantages/disadvantages. Affects on performance? Relative cost to stock replacement?


Ben_Copeland - 2/3/11 at 08:36 PM

Try bleeding the clutch. Wifes car was slipping I couldn't get the gearbox off and got the hump. Stuck it back together, bled the clutch and it went for another year. Don't ask me why tho

Be careful it's probably got a dual mass flywheel = expensive.


adithorp - 2/3/11 at 08:39 PM

Why more money to Ford? Find yourself a reliable independant (by recommendation rather than trial and error or flashy adverts) and save yourself 25-50%. You'll probably get to speak to the same person who does the job, rather than a receptionist who thinks a clutch is some sort of handbag.

Prawnabie is refering to replacing the dual-mass flywheel with an old style solid one. Beware of this though as there's been a spate of broken cranks as a result. The replacment has been done for a while but it seems like the problem is just starting to surface.


steve m - 2/3/11 at 11:29 PM

Oh, great, so ive got about 33k left on my mondeo, and we tow a caravan sometimes


snapper - 3/3/11 at 06:58 AM

My 03 plate Mondeo has just eaten a starter motor due to metal fillings from the dual mass filling the starter motor gear box.
Dual mass flywheel next but I intend to get a garage to do it as it is the mother of all jobs to do yourself.


Ben_Copeland - 3/3/11 at 06:58 AM

quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Oh, great, so ive got about 33k left on my mondeo, and we tow a caravan sometimes


Lol that's what happens when you tow a big unaero dynamic lump behind a car. Things wear out quicker!


britishtrident - 3/3/11 at 07:38 AM

Towing normally isn't a problem with clutches unless the previous owner was hard on clutches anyway or he/she was towing a trailer that was either way too heavy or the trailer brakes were stuck on. Some drivers can destroy a clutch in 5,000 miles without towing anything.

If when the starter is removed there is any sign of debris on the starter then a new flywheel is required there is a solid flywheel conversion available for these which can be bought as a complete kit with the clutch.


speedyxjs - 3/3/11 at 08:32 AM

66k aint that bad. Iv changed clutches on a cars that have barely done 50k before with no caravanning!!! Also done a couple of vans at around 40-50ish but they were thrashed most of their life!


JeffHs - 3/3/11 at 09:38 AM

77k and still towing with 03 TDCi. Thought clutch was shot 3 years ago when reversing the van into an awkward pitch in Cornwall, but it's still fine.


britishtrident - 3/3/11 at 01:10 PM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
66k aint that bad. Iv changed clutches on a cars that have barely done 50k before with no caravanning!!! Also done a couple of vans at around 40-50ish but they were thrashed most of their life!



Back in my Rootes dealership days we had two women customers that went through Imp clutches at the rate of two or more per year. We also had a customer who used to tow start artic tractor units with a Hunter estate


adithorp - 3/3/11 at 07:58 PM

quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
66k aint that bad. Iv changed clutches on a cars that have barely done 50k before with no caravanning!!! Also done a couple of vans at around 40-50ish but they were thrashed most of their life!



Back in my Rootes dealership days we had two women customers that went through Imp clutches at the rate of two or more per year. We also had a customer who used to tow start artic tractor units with a Hunter estate


I've had customers who go through 3 clutches a year... and only did less tha 1500 miles a year It's something they suddenly start doing and usually signals the end of thier driving days.
No point telling stories of Hunters to Speedy... they're long before his days!