Warranty - Clutch

[Theowls88]

What experiences have other people had at trying to get a clutch replaced under warranty?

I have a 62 plate (Nov 12) 1.6tdi on 23k miles that has developed a squeak upon changing up gears while accelerating. The SEAT technician has diagnosed it as a shiny clutch plate that is slipping under load.

Now i'm waiting for them to get back to me as to whether the clutch will be replaced however the technician said its unlikely - something I will contest if so

I have owned the car from new (1st owner), serviced when required, it has hill assist and stop/start so I have probably used the clutch quite a bit less than in a standard car. The technician said SEAT will always assume you have thrashed the car which I think is a joke.

Car is perfectly driveable and like I say it only squeaks when accelerating and changing up through gears so doesn't "need" a new clutch, but it is rather annoying

Where do you think I will stand and do you think I should go down the "not fit for purpose" route is SEAT don't play ball?

 

[betty_swollox]

They might charge you less as a goodwill gesture? but I'm sure that clutches are always seen as wear and tear

 

[AndrewJB]

Yeh wear and tear item

 

[RicoFR]

I had mine replaced at similar mileage FOC along with the slave cylinder. Wear and tear or not, a certain amount of duty cycle has to be carried out and that would certainly be well within it. Less than two years old and below 30K, as long as the car is standard you'd have a very good case for it to be replaced.

 

[James_R]

If seat were to contest they'd have it removed and tested. At this point they pretty much always come back with "this clutch has suffered excessive strain" or something similar.
There will be something that puts a massive doubt in their minds as to wether it should be replaced under warranty.

 

[Theowls88]

Cheers for the replies.....but how can 24k and driven normally be "wear & tear"?

I could understand 50-60k, an older car or even one that has been modified, mine isn't and hasn't!

Still not heard back from them yet though, I'm not holding my breath.

If they do need to remove and test, if they then come back and say wear and tear and trading standards won't back me up I'll tell them to get it put back in and I'll wait till it goes/get it replaced elsewhere. Its likely that any contribution they make still makes the cost of replacing a clutch through SEAT more than it would elsewhere. Would SEAT be accepting blame though by contributing thus backing up my side of the claim? Just a thought....

 

[kazand]

Cheers for the replies.....but how can 24k and driven normally be "wear & tear"?

I could understand 50-60k, an older car or even one that has been modified, mine isn't and hasn't!

Still not heard back from them yet though, I'm not holding my breath.

If they do need to remove and test, if they then come back and say wear and tear and trading standards won't back me up I'll tell them to get it put back in and I'll wait till it goes/get it replaced elsewhere. Its likely that any contribution they make still makes the cost of replacing a clutch through SEAT more than it would elsewhere. Would SEAT be accepting blame though by contributing thus backing up my side of the claim? Just a thought....

The problem is, the 'fair wear and tear' is a get out clause. They can say you have ragged it, you say you haven't, problem is you have to prove them wrong, which will be very difficult. I would still push it , currently our R is on 27k and clutch is fine, whilst it's not been driven like Miss Daisy it's not ragged either ( not much anyway )
I'd be careful about their 'offer' to remove and test it, if they decide it's down to you, they will probably try to charge you for refitting it if you decide not to pay to have it changed. Are you in the AA/RAC ? Maybe worth getting a second opinion . Also possible is the fact that its not actually the clutch but the DMF that's making the noise.
As for SEAT being liable by contributing, the words 'without prejudice' or similar only need to be added, that way they can contribute without admitting liability. Good luck!

 

[LeonCR]

it will come down to whats actually broken when the remove it, if its just wear then the bill will be yours

 

[Theowls88]

I'm not in rac/aa but r lasses dad has his own garage. Just from driving it he says it's either dmf or clutch, SEAT technician is adamant it's clutch but says he doesn't know whether SEAT UK will play ball cos they normally don't with clutches. They did offer to investigate/remove the clutch while they are waiting for a reply from SEAT UK, I politely told them to get ****ed because if it's a no I'll be going elsewhere (father inlaw) for the new clutch rather than paying their extortionate made up prices


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[LeonCR]

Problem is i don't think you will get an answer unless its been taken apart

 

[James_R]

There's also a fixed price clutch replacement option available that's very competitive...