Focus ST Clutch Pedal went crack, now to low.

[SKR]Phoenix

[SKR]Phoenix

[SKR]Phoenix

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As above really. Pressed the clutch, both me and the Mrs heard a snapping sound, then the clutch didn't feel right.

It's not all the way to the floor, it still operates fine. It doesn't seem to return as high as before though, maybe an inch. If I place my foot under the clutch, I can return it to it's normal position.

It's an odd feeling, as though the clutch engages, but there is no more movement in the pedal, as though the biting point is at it's absolute highest.

Any idea's folks?
 
Have you checked the clutch cable under the bonnet?

When my clutch wasnt returning to its full height, it was actually the cable that was sticking.
 
Righty, after breaking my back checking this out, yes, it appears to be the upper return spring (the real ******* one to change).

So.... it's off to Ford next Wed to have it done. £239 in total, as it's all bleedin labour. The part is less than £4!

Tech. came out to make sure it was just the spring as sometimes it takes out the switches too, but they are fine. He even said it's a real pain in the rear to do and Ford allow 4 hours for this job. They have tried to replace this spring in situ. before, but he said it's a lot easier to remove the pedal box and all that it involves to do so.

So, an expensive job all in all. I guess I feel a little cheated that such a cheap part costs so much to change, but then again, it could have been an expensive part with 30 mins labour, equalling the same sort of cost.

Oh and I did check out various forums to find a guide or people that had done this themselves. Looks like a 5 spanner job to be honest and I just do not have time for it at the moment.

What a crappy design.....
 
Ford can't seem to get there clutch systems right. My Fiesta's pedal made a snapping noise and stuck to the ground a couple of weeks ago. Which from members on this forum I found out it's a common problem for Fiesta's and has been since the old Fiesta's many years ago!
 
I had a similar problem on my mk4 Golf recently. As I pointed out in another similar thread, it's meant to be a safety feature where the mechanism gives way and allows the pedal to be retracted in an accident. Unfortunately it seems to be a weak point in a lot of cars although I assume they can't make it too strong otherwise it won't do its job in an accident.

It cost me a touch over £100 at a VW garage to get done so I'm amazed Ford are charging £239. I'd definitely get it done at a garage though rather than trying it yourself. It can be a complete pain to do, and VW broke my clutch master cylinder in the process (so I got a nice new shiny one fitted for free :D).
 
Hades said:
I had a similar problem on my mk4 Golf recently. As I pointed out in another similar thread, it's meant to be a safety feature where the mechanism gives way and allows the pedal to be retracted in an accident. Unfortunately it seems to be a weak point in a lot of cars although I assume they can't make it too strong otherwise it won't do its job in an accident.

It cost me a touch over £100 at a VW garage to get done so I'm amazed Ford are charging £239. I'd definitely get it done at a garage though rather than trying it yourself. It can be a complete pain to do, and VW broke my clutch master cylinder in the process (so I got a nice new shiny one fitted for free :D).
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I did talk to my local indy that I trust used for years. He looked into it and said that although I could save about £100 with him doing it, he's never done one before and it looked like a real ball ache of a job.
 
So......

Car went in Wednesday, supposed to be ready at 3pm. Called that at 4pm, only to be told the car won't be ready today. The tech has tried to replace the spring in situ (despite being told they don't do this!), but he has now had to remove the pedal box. He's apparently still working on it, it will be done in the morning. Fine, it's not the end of the world.

Thursday, I call them at 10am. They inform me that the tech broke the end of the spring off, so they've had to order another one, it would arrive at 1pm. No word from them, so I called them at 4:45pm. I was told that the spring is now done, but now they can't calibate the sensor in the master cylinder assembly. However, the techs go home at 5pm, so it's clear it won't be finished. I tell them I'm not happy, they agree to sort out a discount on the work when I collect the car the next day.

Today, I call them at lunch time. I am told they are still working on it. They can not calibrate the sensor, so have been onto Ford Tech to find out why. They recommend replacing the sensor. However, the sensor is not available on it's own, so they've ordered a complete master cylinder kit (still not knowing that the sensor comes with the kit!!!). This part won't arrive until at least Monday lunch time! I was fuming! They offered me a courtesy car for the weekend, so I said I would come and collect it straight away.

I get to the dealers and explain I'm not happy about whats gone on. They say that this has NEVER happened before (don't they always say this?) and they can't apologise enough. They arrange a courtesy car (Fiesta - it's not bad actually for a womans car ;) ). So before I leave, I ask when they think it will be done and they say probably late Monday or Tuesday. Fine, I have the courtesy car. I question the total cost of the job, as they offered a discount. They then say they will have to sort that out Mon or Tues, depending if I need to pay for the whole cylinder kit or just the sensor...... WTF! Who's your manager? She goes off to talk to the "Workshop Controller", and finally comes back saying they will cover the cost of the cylinder/sensor.

So, to recap.

£4.00 spring - 2-3 Hours Labour - Total Cost: £239.00

has turned into

£4.00 spring - Master Cylinder - Sensor - 6 (maybe more!) days in the workshop and a courtesy car for the weekend. Oh and don't forget the complete lack of communication from them with regard to timescale, problems or even a damn aplogy!

Well done Ford, Shirley (Solihull), very well done.
 
So sticking with the trend, Ford couldn't be ***** to contact me at all today, despite promising to keep me up to date with the progress of my vehicle. They were supposed to call so I knew if the parts had arrived so at least I would have some idea of when to expect the car back.

Nada, nowt, no ring ring.

Till 4pm, at which point they send me a text! "Your Vehicle Is Ready".

So without calling them, I jump in the courtesy car and head straight over. When I get there, the woman on service seems shocked to see me. She didn't even know it was ready and even questioned me if I had been called (no love, that was your job!). I was sure hoping it was ready, seeing as it was sat in the car park!

She apologises once again for the time this has taken and explains they they changed the complete master cylinder, which included the so called sensor. She also expresses once again that this has NEVER happened before. I'll take that with a shovel of salt love! Look up this clutch pedal issue online, it's quite clearly a problem with the Focus! She then presents a bill for £239.00. Fair play, they have covered the cost of the Master Cylinder and all that it entails. So cheekily, I mention that the other guy on service told me they would "sort out a discount". A new invoice appears, £200. Nice one!

Anyway, the car is fixed. Clutch pedal is fine and working as it should. I have yet to check they actually did fit a new master cylinder, but I will be doing so in the morning.

So, all in all this has taken far too long, far too many **** ups and I'm still left with a bitter taste from the whole ordeal as not once has the dealership called me at any point to update me on what on earth was happening. Think I'll be trying another dealer next time, because lets face it, it couldn't be much worse.
 
[SKR]Phoenix;17368711 said:
This was Shirley, Solihull. Part of the Bristol Street group.
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Luckily nowhere near me, haven't received as bad service from my local but certainly far from satisfied.
 
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