New clutch time? (2010 Fiesta)

[Armageus]

Think I already know the answer but just for peace of mind thought I'd ask here

I've got a 2010 Fiesta (1.4 Petrol) on around 97k miles - clutch bite point has been very high for a while, but last couple of months has been quite juddery when first using the clutch after leaving it overnight.
Used it both on Saturday and Sunday morning, and on both occasions it was juddery but now also a bit of a graunching noise when releasing the clutch (coinciding with the judder feel).

I believe the noise could be the thrust bearing?

Once "warmed up" it seems fine and neither judders or makes a noise. Doesn't seem to be slipping in normal driving, but don't have any hills locally to try.
I've tried the "pull away in a high gear (5th) and it should stall" test, and it very nearly pulled away, only just stalling (whereas when I'd tried this a couple of months ago when I first thought it was getting worn it stalled instantly - as it should I believe).


The car is due for an MOT in November, so was thinking of getting it MOT'd early first (to make sure there isn't anything else significant cost wise needs doing) before committing to the cost of a clutch replacement (presumably about £600?) - is this a sensible plan?

 

[Building Candy]

If it slips then yes its probably on the way out. The juddering thing first thing in the morning is quite common, mine does it, I think its moisture on the plates from over night, might be wrong but it soon disapears.

 

[sovietspybob]

Once a clutch starts to actually slip it's usually pretty bad so i wouldn't always wait for that to happen.

Judder can be a common thing, my old yaris had that and it stayed the same the whole time i had the car and 60k miles but if it's a new thing it's doing then it's probably a symptom of it being worn out.

i'd say your MOT first idea is a good one as long as it's still in a drivable state, no point spending loads if the rest of the car is about to fall to bits around it!

 

[dlockers]

Fly wheel?

 

[Armageus]

If it slips then yes its probably on the way out. The juddering thing first thing in the morning is quite common, mine does it, I think its moisture on the plates from over night, might be wrong but it soon disapears.

Judder can be a common thing, my old yaris had that and it stayed the same the whole time i had the car and 60k miles but if it's a new thing it's doing then it's probably a symptom of it being worn out.

If it was still just judder then I probably would carry on driving it, but it was the new noise that was more concerning.

Fly wheel?

I don't know hence asking for opinions, but I was thinking probably not given its not a diesel or turbo petrol, so doesn't have a huge amount of torque to deal with.

 

[BUDFORCE]

Yea I had a car the clutch juddered a bit when cold, was never a problem I had it for ten years.

 

[Armageus]

Picked it up this morning after having the clutch replaced and feels like a new car - expensive but thoroughly recommended, noticeable how bad the old clutch had become

 

[norm]

Picked it up this morning after having the clutch replaced and feels like a new car - expensive but thoroughly recommended, noticeable how bad the old clutch had become

How much was it? Did they replace the slave cylinder as well?

 

[Armageus]

How much was it? Did they replace the slave cylinder as well?

£700 including slave cylinder.

Had quotes for £500 but would have had to wait until mid November

 

[ShiWarrior]

not a bad price really, well worth doing it for that money

 

[andy_mk3]

Good choice on getting it done. A poor clutch is never going to improve, it’s only a ticking time bomb of something that could let you down and leave you stranded.

 

[Diagro]

My MPS is booked in for new flywheel, clutch, pilot bearing and box oil....

Not what I wanted to spend over a grand on when I was trying to sell it.

Sigh