Clutch Shudder

[Captain Beer]

We recently bought a second hand 2006 Ford Fiesta 1.6 with around 40k on the clock.
A really awesome little car, but the last week or so the clutch has started to shudder. At first it was just in reverse gear, then it was taking off on a hill, now it also seems to be happening when changing to second. I also often have to put the clutch in twice to get it into reverse. There is also sometimes a bit of an oily smell in the car, im not sure if this is the clutch burning out.

What do you guys say? Time for a new clutch or is it maybe something smaller?

Cheers.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

New Clutch and its never too earlier to get it done - but always too late

 

[Riot2]

had a similar issue on our 2006 1.4 fiesta
it was to do with some stupid piece of plastic (yes, plastic) on the clutch pedal just on the underside of the floor
it was fixed for free by the ford dealership place
//edit: how ever there was never any kind of oily smell

 

[Captain Beer]

Cheers guys, I hope it's just a bit of plastic. Going to Kelfords ASAP!
The thing that worries me is that it seems to be getting worse, and the previous owner was a kid with rich parents.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

I've had 3 clutches go on me on 3 different cars - that oil smell scares the crap out of me still. Its a kinda smell thats very distinct except that it smells like something is wrong.

(Your comment about the previous owner screams "Get help fast")

 

[Edduck]

might be the clutch master cylinder as well. I have a 2004 1:6 fiesta and I had mine replaced earlier this year. Problems sounds similar to yours, i also had a bit of hydraulic fluid leaking near the clutch pedal. The whole unit is made out plastic, stupid design!! Luckily I had an extended garuntee which paid for the entire repair of about R1k.

 

[neilronaldson]

Flywheel needs skimming

 

[Sonic2k]

Has happened to me
One case was the clutch being very near the end of its life (few weeks later we had no clutch)
Other case was oil seal went, and oil was absorbed into clutch

When they shudder I don't waste time, I replace.

 

[LCBXX]

Flywheel needs skimming

^ This. Be ever thankful that your car does not have a dual-mass flywheel.