How to know for sure that you need a new clutch?

[han18]

Hello, could someone tell me how I would know the clutch is going/gone? The biting point was VERY high when I was doing a hill start and I had to rev really hard (got a few looks!)

I drive through Bath city daily and always find myself having to put the clutch down every few seconds due to the traffic, so I could be wearing it out that way....

Just wondering if it is the clutch or something else?

Many thanks

[GrandadMonkey]

You'll know when it has completely gone because no matter how hard you press the accelerator the engine will rev but the car won't move proportionately - the clutch will slip. When the clutch mating faces are worn out there will be insufficient friction for the drive to be transferred to the wheels. You'll probably notice a horrible burning smell as the friction material overheats.

What mileage has the car done? Anything over 60,000 and your suspicions may well be right, especially if a lot of your travel includes urban journeys in heavy traffic. Of course, clutches can wear quickly or slowly depending on how they are driven and the conditions in which they are use. Cars that spend most of their lives on motorways driven by old blokes like me hardly ever wear out the clutch. Cars that spend their lives in cities in stop-start traffic, and/or are driven hard with maximum acceleration most of the time can wear the clutch out quickly. The worst culprits are those that hold a car on the clutch on a hill at traffic lights etc instead of using the handbrake. That wears out a clutch very quickly.

[Capncol]

Amen to that Grandadmonkey! It's funny that I hardly ever need new brake pads, and only once had to replace a clutch (own goal trying to reverse a heavy trailer up a steep hill)

People just don't know how to drive sympathetically nowdays, it seems.

[han18]

Mileage is almost 48k. I heard that clutches on most cars need something done to them at around 50k?

I do a lot of stop start journeys and my Puggy hates it! Unfortunately I do find myself having to put the clutch down a lot.

Thanks for the responses

[Capncol]

I heard that clutches on most cars need something done to them at around 50k?

I have regularly put over 100k on a clutch. It's all down to how you drive (unless you get a faulty one)
My fully loaded (3.5 tons) Mercedes Sprinter (which often tows a trailer) is still on original clutch at 180K miles and the pads were done more than 50K back. Wifes 206cc is on nearly 50K on (as far as I can tell from service record) original clutch, but I had to put pads in when we got it at 38K.

If you anticipate what's ahead so you don't have to slam the brakes on, or constantly change gear or ride the clutch, you will be surprised how much longer things last.
For example. In slow moving traffic, I stay in 1st gear on tick over and creep along, while all the drivers in front roar off for 100feet then brake to a stop, roar off again etc: I tend to just be catching them as they roar off again.

[EdmundIJones]

Let us know how you get on as I suspect my clutch is on it's way out in a few months, I got some quotes which may be of interest:

Fussell Wadman (Peugeot Dealer) in Devizes: £660
Oval of Westbury (Peugeot Dealer) in Westbury (8 miles away) £460
Halfords (nationwide centres) £440
Mr Clutch (nationwide centres) £330

Mr Clutch don't have a good reputation but then again people complain more then say good things. What I object too is spending £660 on a clutch from Fussell Wadman on a £1000 car, I could buy (and have fitted) two clutches from Mr Clutch for the same price. Just to note that Mr Clutch fits the whole kit.

[Capncol]

Grandadmonkey will disagree with me here, but I wouldn't go anywhere near Mr Clutch. I have seen their bodgery first hand on several occasions. People have complained to me that when their car goes in, they invariably get a phone call saying the flywheel needs grinding and the release bearing guide sleeve is worn (all extra cost) I don't ever recall seeing a flywheel that needs grinding, but have occasionally seen worn guides.
Next thing, 6 months down the road, the front engine mount has gone due to engine weight left hanging on it, or the exhaust down pipe has cracked.
Try getting a quote from a good independent garage.

[shadow]

Let us know how you get on as I suspect my clutch is on it's way out in a few months, I got some quotes which may be of interest:

Fussell Wadman (Peugeot Dealer) in Devizes: £660
Oval of Westbury (Peugeot Dealer) in Westbury (8 miles away) £460
Halfords (nationwide centres) £440
Mr Clutch (nationwide centres) £330

Mr Clutch don't have a good reputation but then again people complain more then say good things. What I object too is spending £660 on a clutch from Fussell Wadman on a £1000 car, I could buy (and have fitted) two clutches from Mr Clutch for the same price. Just to note that Mr Clutch fits the whole kit.

if you are willing to bring it to gloucester
£500 for the clutch (3 part),gear oil renew, new drive shaft seals.
£220 cambelt change (belt,tensioner,water pump) new coolant
for a 2lt gti

[han18]

Islington motor group in Trowbridge have quoted me £499 to have the clutch fitted. Also having my aux belt changed as that has perished, a new front off side tyre and my MOT. (All coming to about £650)
They specialise in Peugeot.

Taking it there tomorrow. They said they will check the clutch first as I'm not 100% sure. I took the car there when the roof had a severe leak last month and they did a very good job. Will let you know tomorrow how it goes. I just hope they don't find much wrong on the MOT, or else it will have to be goodbye

[han18]

Hello everyone. My suspicions were correct and I did need a new clutch! The change in the drive is incredible! She passed her MOT as well so very pleased with Puggy

[GrandadMonkey]

Well done. OK for another 12 months then. A nice feeling eh!

[kellymc1983]

I've just started experiencing a whining noise that gets to an almost high pitch squeal when I dip the clutch. Only drove a short distance, maybe 2 miles, and by the time I pulled up on the drive there was an awful smell as if something was burning! I can only presume that this is my clutch that is on its way out?! If anyone else can tell me any different please let me know!
Not the kind of expense I need at this time of year!

[GrandadMonkey]

Sounds like the clutch release bearing eating through the clutch plate diaphragm. New clutch required methinks. How old, how many miles, what sort of driving - rural or urban etc?