Clutch replacement? Again?

[ally el dee]

Got a Mark 1 Berlingo Multiplace Forte petrol 1.6 manual.

The clutch is feels high and is stiff to use. Every mechanic that looks at the vehicle for anything else (e.g. service) says the clutch is on the way out. But the previous owner said the clutch was done about 12,000 miles ago (in 2017) and has paperwork to support this.

In the paperwork there's a receipt from Penton (mains dealer) showing the following parts list and detailing that the clutch was replaced at 125,900 miles...
- exchclutch kit
- clutch fork
- guide bush
- capscrew
- seal
- oil
- flywheel new
- seal
- pin

The total for this including labout was 810.46 GBP plus tax. This to me all confirms the clutch was indeed replaced in 2017. Or am I missig.

So... if this has a clutch replacement, surely the clutch should be lasting longer than 12,000 miles of service?

Are Berlingo clutches just generally high and a bit tough?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[ron]

Got a Mark 1 Berlingo Multiplace Forte petrol 1.6 manual.

The clutch is feels high and is stiff to use. Every mechanic that looks at the vehicle for anything else (e.g. service) says the clutch is on the way out. But the previous owner said the clutch was done about 12,000 miles ago (in 2017) and has paperwork to support this.

In the paperwork there's a receipt from Penton (mains dealer) showing the following parts list and detailing that the clutch was replaced at 125,900 miles...
- exchclutch kit
- clutch fork
- guide bush
- capscrew
- seal
- oil
- flywheel new
- seal
- pin

The total for this including labout was 810.46 GBP plus tax. This to me all confirms the clutch was indeed replaced in 2017. Or am I missig.

So... if this has a clutch replacement, surely the clutch should be lasting longer than 12,000 miles of service?

Are Berlingo clutches just generally high and a bit tough?

Thanks for your thoughts.

I would look at the cable first.The adjuster may be shot.

[ffrenchie]

Clutches are heavy compared to a lot of vehicles but the pedal should be level with the brake if that is what you mean by high.

[ron]

Clutches are heavy compared to a lot of vehicles but the pedal should be level with the brake if that is what you mean by high.

I read it as a high bite point hence the cable mention.

[ally el dee]

Yep, I meant that the actual pedal sits really high up compared to the brake and accelerator. Makes it hard finding a comfortable driving position with your feet/legs

[bikey]

Yep, I meant that the actual pedal sits really high up compared to the brake and accelerator. Makes it hard finding a comfortable driving position with your feet/legs

If the bite point is low enough, ie. there's some slack in the cable, you could try what I did.

Fit a nylon spacer block onto the top of the clutch pedal arm. I cut mine from an old, thick cutting board
Slot the block to give a tight fit and position it to suit.

In my case the spacer holds the pedal about half an inch lower and has made a big improvement comfort wise and has stayed in place since last Summer. No problems encountered at all.

Obviously there needs to be sufficient slack left in the cable after fitting to avoid clutch slip and wear on the release bearing etc.