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

Clutch failure after 900 miles/14 days

The clutch of my Seat Ibiza was replaced by a well-known 'specialist' clutch replacement company. The original clutch had lasted for 85,000 miles. The thrust bearing of the first replacement clutch failed after 3200 miles/three months. It was replaced under warranty. The second replacement clutch failed after 900 miles/14 days. The company declined to replace this clutch under warranty citing 'signs of vehicle abuse'. As far as I can see, the reason for failure appears to be severe wear of the clutch plate.

My questions are: What sort of 'vehicle abuse' would have to occur to lead to this sort of failure after such a short time? Are there any possible alternative explanations such as the parts being of poor quality or the installation being faulty?

Asked on 23 August 2013 by Roger M

Answered by Honest John
The problem with cheap replacement clutches is that the thrust bearing is not routinely replaced and this fact can cause excess wear of the new clutch. So go back armed with that information. Say you are prepared to pay for the new thrust bearing but not the new clutch.
Similar questions
I bought a 2009 MINI Cooper S in February. Since then I have put 1100 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed it was making a strange screeching noise when I pulled away from a standstill. My local garage...
How can I tell if the clutch in my car is failing?
My wife's MINI Countryman All4 has suffered a premature clutch failure after only 37,000 miles. As the clutch is not covered by the warranty (wear and tear, apparently), it has cost over £2000 to be repaired...
Related models
More interesting looking than a Polo. 1.8 petrol turbo FR good fun.
 

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