clutch trouble

[Moth_5041363]

I have a Hyundai santa fe 2.0L diesel on a 2003 48,000 and when towing the caravan the last couple of times the clutch is starting to slip on hills mostly but sometimes on the flat.I take it the clutch needs replacing, just had a main dealer quote od £720 all in, but was told they only do a standard clutch, anyone else had the same problems and what clutch did ou fit? cheers

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Moth,

I don't own a Santa-fe so I cant be specific, but the following general points come to mind.

Judging by the lack of response to your post, and the numbers of good reports we get of the SantFe on the forum, I don't think clutch failures are normally a problem. so the standard discs are probably plenty durable enough.

Some clutch linkages are adjustable, perhaps yours only needs adjusting?

Clearly I don't know how you drive or what use the Hyundai is put too, but I have seen premature clutch failure on other vehicles when drivers slip clutches a lot for example when pulling away or changing gear and not matching engine speed to gearbox speed adequately needing the clutch to be slipped.

Also where the driver rests their foot on the clutch pedal when driving normally. The slight pressure on the pedal reduces the pressure on the clutch plate which can lead to some slippage which will get worse, and wear or failure of the release bearing.

These are both fairly common problems with new or inexperienced drivers, but I have also seen older drivers doing it as well.

 

[xtrailman]

I have a Hyundai santa fe 2.0L diesel on a 2003 48,000 and when towing the caravan the last couple of times the clutch is starting to slip on hills mostly but sometimes on the flat.I take it the clutch needs replacing, just had a main dealer quote od £720 all in, but was told they only do a standard clutch, anyone else had the same problems and what clutch did ou fit? cheers

Sounds like oil contamination, probably a crankshaft seal has failed.
I would get a quote from a non franchised dealer, much cheaper, also regardless of the recommendation to change the "lot", i would just have the plate replaced, that's all i did when i had oil contamination, that and the oil seal.

 

[Dustydog]

Your car has averaged 4k per year which is indicative of a lot of short journeys, in heavy traffic maybe? So lots of clutch use?

The major cost of getting to the clutch is the labour so IMO as the unit is 9 years old I'd bite the bullet and replace the diaphragm spring as well as the friction plate. It is also worth changing the clutch slave cylinder which is inside the bell housing and can only be reached when the gearbox is removed.

Also get Ray's point checked re the oil seal.

I'd also go for a smaller garage with a good reputation who may not charge VAT.