LV Focus Clutch Query

[bb_zetec]

Hi Guys,

Ive got a 5sp. Manual Focus with the 2L Duratec engine.

I find that the clutch engagement point is quite short, i.e i've gotta be quick in releasing the clutch and on the acclerator, otherwise it feels as if the engine is about to stall, and there is only what i can describe as a "clunk" at the same time this happens, whereas other times the release is quite smooth.

Is this normal...or do i need to get the adjustment looked at?

It has 20,000 klms on it.

Thanks & Regards!

[Russ]

I have driven plenty of manual cars over the years and the clunk you describe would not be normal, however it may not be related to the clutch and may just be a sound due to the engine wanting to stall and you trying to correct it. It won't be adjustment and from what I can find on it there is only a small amount of adjustment at the pedal anyway, the clutch itself is hydraulic and as such the only form of adjustment is to bleed the system as you would with brakes. It could be a faulty clutch slave cylinder or if there's a leak somewhere then there could be air in the system which could explain the intermittence of the problem. I'd suggest you take it to Ford and have it looked at under warranty. Let us know how you get on

Russ

[L42B]

I've found that my LT '08 Focus does the same thing. Is this just a characteristic of the Focus generally? What have been other peoples experiences?. I've noticed that sometimes under initial release of the clutch, say around 1 200rpm when starting out, the rev's can drop out and the car can nearly stall if its done too quickly.

Perhaps investigate this further and let us know your findings.

Regards, L42B

[bb_zetec]

I've booked into Ford tomorrow for a service and some other things to be fixed up, so i've added the Clutch to the list.

Will post back the verdict...

[bb_zetec]

Update...They couldnt replicate the fault...but they found that something in the front suspension was loose, and tightened that up and tightened the engine mounts. Driving home it seems to have reduced it dramatically.

[bb_zetec]

Forgot to mention that they also did a brake fluid change/flush....that may have also helped.