Ibiza Clutch

[The Governor]

There's a fair amount of play on the clutch of the wifes Ibiza and I'm wondering if it needs replacing.

I know a lot of cars have self adjusting clutches, but can it be adjusted manually before I do something mad like replace it?

The clutch action is quite stiff, especially compared to my new Leon TDI so it may just be as well to swap it.

If I do swap it what should I expect to pay for parts and labour?

It's a Jan 02 model btw :cheers:

[m0rk]

clutch cable gets very stiff on those - so I'd change that 1st

2nd will be the lube on the bit the clutch slides on.

clutch cable is about £45 & an hours labour

gearbox on & off is about 3hrs

if you get them to change the clutch at a SEAT Dealer - expect no change from £150 for the parts

pattern parts are much much cheaper ( look for Polo 1.4 AEX engine ) or call Stu @ EuroCarparts.

I reckon it's just the clutch cable tho

Unless your wife is into seriously abusing the car

[The Governor]

Thanks m0rk, we picked the car up used from Kings and the mileage was a bit over, I suspect the guy before did abuse it a bit which is why I thought it might be the clutch.

Rightly or wrongly I'm beginning to feel like we got mugged.

Since buying it on the 26th November we've had the discs and pads replaced, now the clutch (probably).

That's more work on this car in 3 months than on any car I've had in 14 years of driving.

:(

Thanks for the tip about EuroCarparts, I'll ask them for a quote...

[m0rk]

if it helps Lorna's 1.4 on a W plate is only just needing brake discs at 36k

the clutch is fine

I doubt the clutch needs changing - easy way to check is to find a small hill (like the one on the way to romsey from Kings) and boot it in 4th at about 30mph

if the revs rise & no increase in speed, then it's the clutch

if the pedal is stiff, it's the cable.

don't worry - i doubt you've been sold a lemon, just perhaps didn't insist on stuff being changed prior to sale.

[The Governor]

Thanks again, I'm pretty sure it isn't slipping so maybe I'm lucky and it's the cable.

There is a load of play on the pedal though and the bite point seems incredibly low..

I'm loathe to put it in only to find out it isn't the cable though..

I take your last point as well, I wish now I had been able to spot this when I bought it and had it done then. My first experiences with Kings haven't been great as a result of this car..

As with any purchase that develops a number of problems shortly after you buy it, you start to feel that "stitched up" feeling, I don't think there is any deliberate effort to do so from any main dealer but talking as the customer it's a real pain to have things go wrong so soon..

[m0rk]

biting low means the clutch is NOT worn out!

play in it really does suggest the cable though - perhaps a goodwill gesture might be in order.... worth a shot.

I'd be tempted to try that - or at least ask if it's warranteed - as wear & tear it isn't - I broke one on my 1.4 at about 65k, and it's still going now - with the next owners at over 117k.

If it's not the clutch cable, then surely the bit inside the gearbox needs a bit of greasing (not good explaination, but I've forgotten the URL to the pics I need to explain better) - I would expect that to come as part of the (cough) 101 point check.

Mark

[SOUTHSEAT]

Roy

As Mork has said, clutch cables are a fairly common occurance on these. There is a fairly tight turn then have to make and after a while the inner cable can be restricted by the metal outer sheathing. You've got a warranty as you know - get it changed if it is an issue.

Brake discs - all cars can suffer from brake rotor distortion - it usually happens in the main either from overheating due to heavy braking whilst cold or after being sat around on a forecourt prior to sale when a slight layer of corrosion builds up. Sometimes this does not always clear satisfactoraly and changes the surface of the disc rotor - hey presto pedal fluctuation at low speeds or steering judder at other speeds.

Please do not feel 'mugged' - I can assure you that you weren't - overall, you actually had a cracking deal on both cars and we have not scrimped on reconditioning. If you feel otherwise, please call me. Have you spoken to anyone at the dealership re the clutch?

Don't waste your money on non-genuine parts - get it done FOC under warranty!

Kevin

[The Governor]

Cheers m0rk, I've mailed Kevin @ Kings to see what he says, I'll phone him when I get a minute during the day.

re 101 point check - [cough] indeed...

:cheers:

[SOUTHSEAT]

Oh look what happens in only one minute - coincidence or what!

[m0rk]

Originally posted by SOUTHSEAT
Oh look what happens in only one minute - coincidence or what!

what the 101 ;)

joke

The Governor - Kevin is SOUTHSEAT

starring at a dealer near you

[The Governor]

Originally posted by SOUTHSEAT

Don't waste your money on non-genuine parts - get it done FOC under warranty!

Kevin

Is that a genuine offer, don't forget my last warranty job! :D

I do appreciate I got a good deal, it was mostly due to my fearsome negotiation skills :devil:


[EDIT]

lol! It's all happening in here!

Kevin, I've no special desire to flog this publicly, perhaps we should take it offline?

Roy :cheers:

[SOUTHSEAT]

mOrk

What's a 101 point check anyway?!!

[m0rk]

Originally posted by SOUTHSEAT
mOrk

What's a 101 point check anyway?!!

ready to feel shamed into buying me doughnuts next time I'm down south?

From www.SEAT.co.uk (you know - the SEAT website)

101 Point checklist

Every qualifying SEAT Dealer Approved Used Car is subjected to a 101 point inspection prior to display. An individual report is produced which is available for inspection by the customer. Any faults found, however small are rectified prior to sale.

[SOUTHSEAT]

DAMN

I JUST TURN THEM OVER AND USE THEM AS A SKETCH PAD 'COS THEY'RE BLANK ON THE BACK!!

DOUGHNUTS - COME DOWN TO PORTSMOUTH AND I'LL BUY YOU A LOLLY ON THE SEAFRONT AT SOUTHSEA!

[The Governor]

Lmao @ you two :D

Kevin, time allowing tomorrow I'm going to call Kings Soton and speak to someone in servicing to get the clutch cable replaced.

Can I mention your name and reference it as a warranty job then? If so then we're probably done and I can stop moaning... :o

[m0rk]

Originally posted by SOUTHSEAT
DAMN

I JUST TURN THEM OVER AND USE THEM AS A SKETCH PAD 'COS THEY'RE BLANK ON THE BACK!!

DOUGHNUTS - COME DOWN TO PORTSMOUTH AND I'LL BUY YOU A LOLLY ON THE SEAFRONT AT SOUTHSEA!

heh, I'll come in one day incognito & scare you.

[Linz]

Think i may need a new cable or something then, mines well stiff and screeches when i press it down - sounds like its rusty if you ask me

[m0rk]

ever greased it?

it will be dry.

[The Governor]

Right, I'm booked in on the 23rd for a warranty replacement, hopefully thast will do it.

I got the impression the guy on the phone wasn't convinced it was the cable but he said they'd do it..