What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is there a mechanical reason for the clutch on our Renault lacking free play?

On my recently purchased used Renault the clutch pedal has no 'free play' and starts to take up at the top of the clutch travel. I find this most awkward to pull away from rest without a slight jerking. The local dealer tells me the clutch has no free play and does bite in this way. I am an experienced driver of many years' standing with a great variety of different vehicles, but I can't seem to cure this problem. Is it me or could there be a mechanical answer? Should I let my wife drive all the time? I am quite competent in my own Hyundai Matrix.

Asked on 2 November 2010 by MJ, via email

Answered by Honest John
In my experience, this is not normal and usually indicates a clutch about to fail, for which the dealer who sold the car to you is liable for six months from the date of purchase.
Similar questions
I bought my Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CDRI new in September 2016. It's a 6-speed manual diesel and I'm having major problems with clutch judder after 1500 miles. At first, I thought it was my driving style but...
I have a Volvo XC40 manual which is eight months old and has done 5,600 miles. I had a problem changing gear and a slight burning smell which went away and towards the end of my journey of 10 miles the...
I bought a Hyundai ix35 from a car supermarket four days ago and I feel a slight clutch shudder. The seller has taken it back and has promised to send it to a Hyundai dealer. Two questions - how long...
Related models
Clio facelifted for 2009 with same look as Laguna. 1.5 Eco2 diesel down to 98g/km CO2.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer