Total Clutch Failure

[andymet]

Hi

Just had first problem with my new Galaxy (2003 115bhp 1.9tdi). Started of as bite point on the clutch ocasionally changing position, then slight clutch judder, then clutch sticking down and finally complete loss of drive. All this happened over a period of a week while it was waiting to go in. When stripped down cause was slave cylinder leaking which then caused the friction plate to break up into pieces, no apparent damage on pressure plate. I'm really mad with it as my mark one did 166000 before the clutch was was changed. So the question I would like to ask is has anyone else had early clutch failure on a Mk2 or have I just been unlucky? The warranty had run out but I managed to get

[chromedome]

If the car has a full Ford Dealership Service Record then you should have a good chance with Ford Customer Services.

 

I've dealt with them a couple of times in the past.

 

I found it best to write to them rather than phone. Be polite but firm in your approach. I've normally asked for them to pay for parts or meet me half way with the costs. I don't think you would get full recompense. You would almost certainly need proof of the vehicle's Service Record.

 

Hope this helps.

[Richard gal]

Identical problem on a diesel ford fusion, but was still under warranty (18 months old) so no problems getting it all replaced.

[Guest walz]

Hi Andymet,

 

Yes my 03 130 TDI had clutch failure to the previous owner as i had the history checked out by a friend who works at fords. It was replaced by fords under warranty at 44,000, so i think its a common thing.

 

Walz

Edited January 25, 2007 by walz

[Guest wolfie]

Hi Andymet,

 

Yes my 03 130 TDI had clutch failure to the previous owner as i had the history checked out by a friend who works at fords. It was replaced by fords under warranty at 44,000, so i think its a common thing.

 

Walz

 

but was this failure due to the recall problem? or was this reported failure due to other causes?

[tim-spam]

Clutch failure is not common on these cars, so I guess you were just unlucky. Most will do well over 100,000 miles with no problems, but this will depend to some extent on how the car has been driven. For example, regularly 'holding the car on the clutch' on a hill can dramatically shorten the life of any clutch. I knew someone who trashed a clutch in less than 10,000 miles, and when I dismantled it, the centre plate was worn down to the rivets and was black. I had to replace the pressure plate, centre plate, release bearing and flywheel - expensive for just 10,000 miles.

[Guest MATT jr]

i also know someone who rests his foot on his clutch - only lasted about 20,000 miles.

 

clutch failures don't seem to come up much on here, so cant be that common...autos seem to have more problems - or gear selector cables.

 

MJR

[andymet]

Thanks for all the replys folks, it's got full ford service history so I will try writing to them. Don't suppose by any chance anyone has the address?

 

Thanks again

 

Andy Met

[chromedome]

Customer Relationship Centre

For any customer assistance on your existing product or service provided by Ford Motor Company, please contact The Customer Relationship Centre on:

 

Telephone: 0845 841 1111

 

Or by post at:

 

Ford Customer Relationship Centre

PO Box 4430

Coventry

CV3 9BH

[andymet]

Thanks Chromedome, much appreciated, I will let everyone know the outcome.

 

Andy Met

[Sher]

The problem as mentioned at the start is the Failure of the Clutch Slave cylinder come Clutch release bearing which sits around the Gearbox input shaft. Mine failed at 63,000 miles 9 includes towing a caravan)

 

Seems far too common on 1.9TDi 115bhp Galaxies

[andymet]

The problem as mentioned at the start is the Failure of the Clutch Slave cylinder come Clutch release bearing which sits around the Gearbox input shaft. Mine failed at 63,000 miles 9 includes towing a caravan)

 

Seems far too common on 1.9TDi 115bhp Galaxies

Update on this. I finally heard from Ford Customer services last week and they have agreed to pay 50% of the bill. Thanks everyone for your help

Andy Met

[chromedome]

I'm pleased that you got something back from Ford, well done. I assume you wrote to them?

[andymet]

I'm pleased that you got something back from Ford, well done. I assume you wrote to them?

 

Yes, wrote them a firm but forceful letter, thanks again for the info

[jackshan]

:lol: My 1.9 TDI, 2003 was two years and two weeks old and at 40k (just out of guarantee) when the clutch went for the first time. It went again within 14 months and just died again after 9 months (now at 65k). T my knowledge, I have never had 'a heavy foot' on clutches and never had an issue with any other make? Could there be something else that is causing this?

Cough up is Ford's response

[seatkid]

Are you sure you don't "ride" the clutch (i.e. use it as a footrest)? Some people do this without realising.

 

40k is useless and 2 clutches in 25k is disastrous.

 

You need to inspect the worn out clutches to determine the cause, is it friction plate wear - oil contamination from leaking slave cylinders has been reported, this needs to be checked. Also if your model has a Dual Mass Flywheel - this may the subject of a manufacturers recall

 

Use only OEM replacements and a garage you can trust. Has the same garage done all the changes and surely you asked them to investigate/comment on the failures.

[andymet]

Hi

If your last clutch was fitted at a ford garage they will do it for free as the new clutch will have a years guarantee on it, provided it is'nt the friction plate that is worn to the rivets. Hope this helps Andy Met

[Sher]

THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE CLUTCH BUT THE LEAKING SLAVE CYLINDER.

 

All users describe the clutch pushing to the floor and sticking there.

 

Garages will claim the plate is contaminated or its not worth leaving in an old one because of the work needed to strip down.

 

I still have the parts from my problem. Clutch nowhere near worn.

 

The garage tried it on by offering an exchange on the Dual Mass flywheel.

I scotched that by demanding all replaced parts back. Before I could see the old clutch they had already re-assembled the parts.

 

There is an inbuilt problem with these slave cylinders on the Galaxy.

 

I do not ride the clutch anytime.

 

I have never worn out a clutch in my 41 years of driving. Some vehicles upto 150,000 miles.

 

Have got through one autobox on the automatic I had.

 

Please excuse the shouting.

[Fat Paul]

B) I never sit wit foot on clutch and have suffered total failure. This seems to be quite a common problem that slave cylinder is going - you never hear of it in any publications!

[me myself and I]

It seems ,after speaking to a trusted mechanic, that there is a certain make of clutch/slave cylinder that are/were supplied to main dealers (mods:will not name make to keep the legal bill down) but could also be bought from counters.I have just got less than 500miles onto a new clutch/slave cylinder before it packed up.My mechyy told me that this particular make was complete muck.On one occasion he said that he was driving a car off the ramp when cylinder went POP.Just thought I would let you know