Slipping Clutch

[lauross]

The clutch on my 2000 focus 1.4 started slipping today, reving very quickly in any gear, with no increase in power. Does anyone know how much this is going to cost to replace? Is it worth getting it reconditioned? Thanks

[Zad]

I would say just ring up your local independent garage and ask them, that way you get a definite figure rather than our speculation. Most of the cost will probably be labour anyway.

[mafioso]

How many miles has the car done? Doesn't seem like that many according to your profile!

[motorwise]

this job is best done inculding the hydraulic release bearing as well - will probably cost around the £350 mark - if it won't bleed and needs a master cylinder as well reckon on about another £50

[Lauross]

£350? Are you speaking from experience or just speculating? The car has 31k miles, which i imagine is pretty low for a clutch to go. I'm going to ring around later and get some quotes. Could any garage do the job, or will i need to go to ford?

ETA: I see you own a garage, so it's experience. damn, £350 is a alot for someone who only earns £45 a week. Also, you say it is best done with a new hydraulic release bearing. Is this completely necessary? What are the benefits?

Edited by Lauross on Monday 16th April 12:23

[Davemurphy007]

The 1.4 is fitted with the IB5 box so it's not THAT much of a ballache to get done (it's been fitted to almost every smaller engined FWD Ford for about the last 10-15 years or so).

It's VERY worthwhile getting the slave cylinder changed at the same time (while the gearbox is off) and the 'clutch kit' from Ford is about £180.

So about 4 hours labour for the gearbox off and then back on plus changing over the friction plate and changing the slave cylinder.................IF the garage does a proper job they should be checking the flywheel for burning and burring and skimming it as necessary..........but that's if they do a proper job and obviously this will cost you money in labour (but if you're going to get the job done you want it doing properly first time right??? )

When I had mine done on my Focus 1.8 (same gearbox) I paid £400 which included 30% off the price of the parts as well (£50/hr labour) which I was happy to pay as it was a proper job...............give it to Ford to do and I'd make sure you're breakdown cover is up to date!!!

Either way if you know it's on the way out I'd advise getting it sorted sooner rather than later, you're only doing more damage every time the clutch slips!

Dave (FFOC Tech Advisor )

[neilesh86]

Just had same problem on my 98 Escort, so got the clutch replaced for £150 from a trusted local garage!