Focus RS Clutch problems
Discussion
Ladies/gents
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
Edited by ASBO on Tuesday 20th February 18:03
may i suggest you register on the forum here and post this query in the focus rs part of the forum im sure someone will help you
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/forumdi
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/forumdi
chriz1 said:
may i suggest you register on the forum here and post this query in the focus rs part of the forum im sure someone will help you
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/forumdi
http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk/forumdi
I'm already a member mate and posted my querie there but with all do respect, they were about as much use as an ash tray on a motorbike!
simonigrale said:
Could be the release bearing - have it checked a well known main dealer.
The labour costs are inexpensive and you know it'll be done right.
I've just sold mine it was fantastic - Hope you get it sorted
The labour costs are inexpensive and you know it'll be done right.
I've just sold mine it was fantastic - Hope you get it sorted
Cheers mate, that sounds a lot more like it. Someone on the RS owners forum suggested it could be wheelspin...
I'll get the garage to have a look at it.
Not an RS but our bite point on the Zetec was very high. We lived with it but I could tell it was getting to the end of it's life. It hadn't quite started whirring but a previous car had got to that point and when we took it to the garage the clutch imploded just as we got to the parking bay. Based on that we decided to just go ahead and replace it.
On the Focus, Ford replaced the clutch and slave cylinder for £350 which seemed ok as the cheapest Indy I could find wanted £320. We had to negotiate a bit though to get that price but it feels like they done a decent job and it's warrantied by Ford.
On the Focus, Ford replaced the clutch and slave cylinder for £350 which seemed ok as the cheapest Indy I could find wanted £320. We had to negotiate a bit though to get that price but it feels like they done a decent job and it's warrantied by Ford.
ASBO said:
Ladies/gents
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
Edited by ASBO on Tuesday 20th February 18:03
Sorry to say it mate, but that's exactly what mine did, it got worse, and yes, a new clutch was needed
It is exactly the same circumstances, but get it checked out anyway as may be different as you should get around 40k out of the clutch (although I have heard of others going earlier than that).
Mine went at 40k after a Ford mechanic took it out and thrashed it
How do I know he thrashed it, well, I made a note of the mileage and petrol when I dropped it off and compared the two when I picked it up again, feck all miles done, loads of petrol used !!! It is an AP Racing clutch, so you can order from them direct or get Ford to do it. Costs upwards of £300 (IIRC) on it's own. Got mine done under warranty, fingers crossed you can get the same
Edited to say : The biting point on the RS is high by default, they are all like it, even the brand new one I got fitted was the same.
Edited by :J: on Wednesday 21st February 09:40
:J: said:
ASBO said:
Ladies/gents
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
I am a month into ownership of my Focus RS. It is a 2003 53plate and has done 25k.
When I purchased the car, I had a concern that the clutch biting point was rather high, but was told that it had been checked and was fine.
However ~1000 miles after I bought it, the clutch has devoloped a 'whirring' noise/screech when engaging sharply. This is only noticable when pulling out of busy junctions (i.e when I let out the clutch quickly). There doesn't appear to be any slip but the noise is there all the same and its causing me concern.
Does anyone know what this could be, and do I need a new clutch?
Edited by ASBO on Tuesday 20th February 18:03
Sorry to say it mate, but that's exactly what mine did, it got worse, and yes, a new clutch was needed
It is exactly the same circumstances, but get it checked out anyway as may be different as you should get around 40k out of the clutch (although I have heard of others going earlier than that).
Mine went at 40k after a Ford mechanic took it out and thrashed it
How do I know he thrashed it, well, I made a note of the mileage and petrol when I dropped it off and compared the two when I picked it up again, feck all miles done, loads of petrol used !!! It is an AP Racing clutch, so you can order from them direct or get Ford to do it. Costs upwards of £300 (IIRC) on it's own. Got mine done under warranty, fingers crossed you can get the same
Edited to say : The biting point on the RS is high by default, they are all like it, even the brand new one I got fitted was the same.
Edited by :J: on Wednesday 21st February 09:40
Cheers J.
The car was bought from a Renault garage (I know I Know) but the specific reason being that I got a 2 year warranty with it. I am Slightly miffed however as I was promised that the clutch was absolutely fine and it would appear that it is not. As my car has only done 25K is it likely that the perevious owner gave it a hard time?
It is possible it had a hard time, like I said, mine was fine until it went to Ford for the day. However, it is just as possible you are one of the unfortunate ones where the clutch goes early. After all, it is an AP racing job and not a 'million mile' tested Ford one.
40k ish is the life they are given, but I have heard of them going sooner though, glad you have warranty as that will save you some cash.
In Renaults defence, I don't think there was any way they could have known the clutch was on the way. Mine was fine, even when squeeking it still worked fine. IIRC, something was broken on it and not just worn.
Look on the bright side, it went early, but it's still in warranty
Just do what I do, and don't floor it ever until you get it rolling, all that torque going through that diff and those big sticky tyres, means things get a bit stressed on a full traffic light GP launch
40k ish is the life they are given, but I have heard of them going sooner though, glad you have warranty as that will save you some cash.
In Renaults defence, I don't think there was any way they could have known the clutch was on the way. Mine was fine, even when squeeking it still worked fine. IIRC, something was broken on it and not just worn.
Look on the bright side, it went early, but it's still in warranty
Just do what I do, and don't floor it ever until you get it rolling, all that torque going through that diff and those big sticky tyres, means things get a bit stressed on a full traffic light GP launch
Edited by :J: on Wednesday 21st February 11:58
Gassing Station | Ford | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff