when I release the clutch pedal on my 1996 ford fiesta classic it feels like it is "sticking". now i put in a new cable, thinking that would fix the problem but not joy. i sprayed the pedal with wd 40 and 3in1 oil but alas still not joy. i then adjusted the pedal ratchet.( previous to adjusting the clutch pedal setting i was having to put my foot behind the pedal to flick it out so the drive would engage.)however, the problems still persists, but to a lesser degree. i have notice that the problem gets worse when the car engine gets hot. (when the car is started from cold it doesn't happen until about 10-15 minutes into driving) I fear that the clutch itself is on the blink!!!!! Anyone with any suggestions, help, etc, please advise.

Damien, February 2006

Hi Damien, sorry i have now words of wisdom really except to say that i have a very similar problem on fiesta van 1.8 deisel. When cold it it seems fine untill as you say it gets warm/hot them what happends is that it becomes increasingly difficult to select gears from rest, particularly 1st and reverse. I too changed the clutch cable but this made No differance.. The clutch peddle is hard on the floor to be able to be able to select any gear, The leaver on the bell housing moves in line with the clutch pedal when presed and released too. Garages i have spoken to say i need a new 3 part clutch as the springs in the clutch cover are at fault but this a surprise as i had this changed 2.5 to 3 years ago ! However it seems that i will have to remove the clutch to identify the problem, or pay £260 for a garage to do it for me as i cant see what else can be causeing the fault. I was hoping that you could help me out if by now you had got your ptroblem sorted, if not take some comfort in its not only you that has this. regards malc in the UK

malcolm, March 2007