Whats wrong with this clutch?

NightShadow · 15 May 2009 at 14:03

Have a bit of an issue with the clutch in my dad's car and as I will be borrowing it for a long trip it needs sorting. The car is a 2000 Seat Leon 1.6 with 150K miles and has a hydraulic clutch.

The problem is that the clutch biting point seems to be at the top of the pedals travel so you foot is almost off of the clutch when you are trying to pull away and it can be very hard to get into 1st gear (others are fine once moving). I though it could be the clutch on the way out but have never driven a car with a dodgy clutch before to know from experience. I have tested it in 5th at 30th and flooring it and on A roads and it doesn't seem to slip at all. The only other thing is that the slightest bit of pressure on the pedal causes the clutch to slip. Is it simply due a replacement clutch or is there somthing else wrong?

NightShadow · 15 May 2009 at 14:27

Hmm, will try and pop round and check the levels later on, he tells me hes checked it and that its OK though. It's been like this for nearly a year now apparently but he doesn't use the car much as has a motorbike. When you say the slave cylinder could be gone, do you mean leaking or just not working?

NightShadow · 15 May 2009 at 16:22

Thanks for the pointers, will have a look at it later on and check the levels are OK. Is there any easy way of diagnosing if the slave cylinder is actually faulty or anything obvious I can check without pulling it apart?

NightShadow · 15 May 2009 at 18:10

Just been round to have a look, clutch/brake fluid res is at max (assuming it is shared). Went for a drive and the biting point is very high, about 1cm from the top and there is a slight judder as it bites. Seems to go into gear OK though, couldn't get it to slip unless I pressed the pedal though. Assuming it is just the friction plate that's worn (not sure if its ever had a replacement after 150K miles) does £220 sound like a good price for a clutch change inc. parts?

NightShadow · 18 May 2009 at 10:52

Am going to try and get it replaced in the next week for him. Can anybody reccommend anywhere in London to get it done? My dad has had a quote of £220 from MrClutch but I've heard mixed opinions about them.