clutch collapsing

[celtic1234]

hi
I have a 95 fiesta 1.1L with 50K on the clock.
every 10 miles or so when i go to change gear the clutch pedal collapses under my foot, as if there is no pressure in the system. When this happens i am unable to change gear, and i have to press the pedal a couple of times before the pressure returns. As i leave the pedal in and out during this, there is a strange noise coming from the pedal (maybe the pedal spring) which sounds like ratchet being turned.
Other times when it happens the pedal dos'nt make the ratchet noise and the pedal just has no pressure against it, but you can still change gear.
The problem is happening more over the last few days. There is no play in the clutch pedal, the fluid level is ok, the is no obvious fluid leak and the clutch cable seems ok,
suggestions appreciated,
John

[larsen_huw]

Another case of Ford's self adjusting ratchet self adjusting at the most inappropriate times! :)

I ain't too familiar with the more modern Fords like yours, but there's a couple of people on here who are, and they'll be able to tell you where this self adjusting ratchet lives and how to fix/replace it.

[tich]

Yep, the adjuster has decided it needs changing. Sits under the clutch pedal, real pain in the neck (literally) to get to. If this is like the pre 95 model then its worth taking the pedal assembly out of the car to do.

From experience I would suggest getting a genuine ford replacement not a pattern part. One of the very few things I've found that are better at the dealers. Not very expensive either.

[chris h]

their is a rachet on the clutch pedal and they do go wrong, but it can be replaced,you need to your local ford garage and get a new one. what happens is over a period of time the teeth on the ratchet wear because its a crap plastic design.and their a bit awkward to fit, take off the clutch cable,then go to the drivers foot well and remove the cluth pedal, on the pedal is the ratchet,fit the new ratchet and put it back together.sounds easy but its not. good luck.

[celtic1234]

Thanks all,
I'll give it a try over the weekend, hopefully i'll manage to fit the new ratchet without pulling to much hair out,
John

[rivolette]

Yeah, I agree with larsen_huw, most of that self adjusting crap doesn't work properly in the real world. What they mean is, it's "supposed" to self adjust. Same goes with the drum brakes. They never self adjust properly because of all the heat, warping the metal and all the break dust lumping up in that tiny space. "Self adjusting" is a cruel joke that auto makers have been playing on the public for decades :D