Problems with my clutch maybe?

Question

i have a m reg ford fiesta and when i drop down a gear to pull into a parking space or down to second to turn into a road, i let the clutch out as usual and the car shudders and shakes it also does it in reverse or just as im pulling away from a junction and i can hear a tapping noise not very loud when i let the clutch out this problem is worse some days than others i dont want to fork out money for a new one if i dont need too thanks for any help

Answer 1

The judder usually means the clutch plate and thrust bearing are badly worn.

Answer 2

check your clutch connections,,,,(is it cable or rod operated)if rod ,the rods are connected with "knuckle joints"which have plastic inserts,on an old car these may have become worn out and need replacing,,if its cable these can be adjusted at the cable end(usually near the gear box)but if you adjust the cable/rod a rough guide is when you press the clutch pedal in you should have to press it about a quarter of an inch before anything happens,,,adjust it too much and it will slip and burn out the clutch,,on an old car at slow speeds it may not be the clutch at all,you might have a brake thats sticking ,,you will hear that in due course when the brakes are metal on metal

Answer 3

It could possibly be an engine mounting too. Some cars have a stabiliser mounting to stop the engine twisting due to the torque when revved. That would be the easiest and most visible option I would check before delving into the clutch

Answer 4

Sounds like clutch judder, could be on it's way out but check the ratchet mechanism (above the clutch pedal) first as this is cheaper to replace.  

Answer 5

If the judder is when the clutch is let out it will mean a clutch change,

On the clutch plate are around six small springs about 2 inch long,

And the judder means that these springs are worn, The springs can not be replaced so the plate has to be replaced,

The clutch should cost around 50-65 pounds, Sounds a lot but is cheaper the replacing the whole clutch and thrust bearing.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

I'd go with engine mounting as a first check.

The front one can become unbonded and allow the engine to lift and allow the fan belt to cut through the bottom rad hose, I know it sounds odd but its right.

Answer 7

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR PRESURE PLATE.

Answer 8

The o.e.m. clutches usually last a good long time. The one in my '90 Ranger still had a little bit of life in it when I replaced it at about 230,000 miles. It could be that the clutch plate has some oil or grease on it. If you have an inspection cover or plug, remove it and spray a bunch of  non-chlorinated brake cleaner in there. let it dry for a few minutes and test drive it. If it stops doing it, you solved your problem for less than 5 bucks. The tapping noise may be a bad pilot bearing or throw out (release) bearing.