Clutch TSB Out Soon

[RicRat]

Took the Foci in to have the noise I was hearing checked.
Dealer said it was normal to knock or rattle. LOL.
Called SVT and they stated, they are working on a upgrade
and it will be out probably within a month. Told the dealer, they
would not be working on a upgrade for a normal sounding clutch.
They said they could not duplicate the knocking.
I would rather wait anyway to have replaced instead of replacing
with one that will go out again.

Looks like Ford finally got the message.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that this will be the fix.

BTW,
:kiss:
Was told this is butt kissing, not banging.

[deactivated]

hmm...wil this be an answer to our prayers? we shall see. be funny if its like as good as a stage 4 that people are going out and buying.

[DiscGolferGreg]

Lord let it be...

[imajsdaddy]

yeah... however i'm sure that it won't be for "ALL SVTF's" just ones that have documented problems already!

Meaning those of us that haven't had tranny issues, will have to be SOL!

[deactivated]

well, this isn't to start anything, and I'm certainly not advocating it, but I know with all TSBs if you go in and tell them your symptoms to a tee they will apply a TSB. One just has to know what the listed symptoms are on the TSB.

[outlaw]

Must be we can find out these symptoms beforehand...eh guys!

[Dmccoy]

Originally posted by inteller
hmm...wil this be an answer to our prayers? we shall see. be funny if its like as good as a stage 4 that people are going out and buying.
I have a six puck design, which is specs stage three with lighweight option. I also have their flywheel. I can say it is a real pleasure to drive, of couse once getting use to the sharp engagement! I hope the "fix" helps out, but I doubt it will be rated at 425 pounds of trq like many stage 3 and 4 clutches.

[TwinSvts]

I took mine in for the screeching sound on start up and from 2-3k rpm and the dealer found a ball bearing in second gear had come loose and was rattling around. Fixed it and it works perfectly now. My buds 03 has the messed up clutch and he has tried to get it fixed and the dealer tells him no and they told him no again a couple days ago because a new assembly will be out it 60-90 days.

[deactivated]

this is starting to sound more and more like a blanket replacement if the dealer is telling them that. Heh I guess since they aren't going to be making any more of them Ford decided to put money towards fixing the ones out there.

[PAN360]

After reading about a "rare" incident in which some part of the assembly came apart and flew through the bell housing :eek: , a few weeks ago, I freaked and called SVT. Although, according to the rep', this had a lot to do with nitrous and slicks on the vehicle :rolleyes: , perhaps this complaint kept the ball rolling in our beneficial direction.

I'm all-for new and improved parts.
Gimme-gimme-gimme.
Later
:)

[DiscGolferGreg]

I just got the word from my dealer too. It's on the way. woowoo

[RicRat]

SVT told me it's supposed to be a upgrade. Let's hope.
As far as symptoms go, mine is making a grinding sound at times
and a knocking sound.
The grinding sound is like ball bearings or marbles rolling around
in a tin can.
Again it is intermitten, not all the time.
Of course when the dealer has it, it doesn't do it.:mad:

[PAN360]

I'm a little out to lunch on this one dudes. What exactly are we talking about here? A whole new clutch, flywheel, what?
Could somebody please spell it out for me.
:confused:

Oh yeah, and just what does "TSB" stand for anyway? :huh:

[DiscGolferGreg]

No clutch, it's a whole new flywheel though. RicRat, mine makes the same exact noise, like I'm dragging tin cans or shards of metal spinning around in there.

TSB= Technical Service Bulletin

[PAN360]

:beer:
Cheers!

[Black03SVT]

We told our dealer about clutch noise too, starting @ 4900 miles. They also told us that a TSB was being issued, and just to "wait it out". Ours sounds more like a "churning"........really annoying, and it couldn't possibly be good.

[easytarget]

I've not noticed anything like that, but a loud clunking noise when trying to melt the tires with the traction control off. I thought it was the differential shifting back and forth but who knows, it may get me some parts after the tsb.

[DiscGolferGreg]

My dealer told me the other day it wasn't going to happen however it seems there's an overwhelming amount of people that were told it still is going to happen. I hope you guys are right.

[RicRat]

SVT told me it was...
Dealer said it was a normal sound...
Which one do you believe?:huh:

[Black03SVT]

OMG.............don't even get me started on dealers. :mad:

[deactivated]

i know one thing, dealers are going to fight this TSB to the end cause it means a good 6 hours of warranty labor that they get paid **** rates on.

[j-dub]

My clutch went out 5 months ago at a little over 12,000 miles and I had to have my clutch replaced. I don't rag on my car, I'm 22 and make $15 an hour, so I can't afford to be doing **** that would cause me to have problems that Ford won't cover under warranty. Anyway, I heard the noise that everyone is referring to, and took it in to the dealership and they told me they didn't hear anything. About 2 weeks later, driving home from my uncles house, my clutch wouldn't engage. I got it home and had it towed to the dealership the next morning. They called me the next day and had me come in to the dealership. When I got there they told me that I would have to pay $1000 to have my clutch replaced. The friction material on the clutch disc had been worn completely through to the point that it was starting to wear through the rivets. BE WARNED IF YOU HEAR THIS NOISE. They argued that the only way this could have happened is by driving the car recklessly. I did everything, I called the ford number, and got nothing. I even called SVT, and they weren't any more helpful. I was mad before, but now I am furious, because now I am out $1000 and they are coming out with a TSB for this. Now I can say this is definitely the last Ford product I buy.

[drsql]

Originally posted by j-dub
I even called SVT, and they weren't any more helpful. I was mad before, but now I am furious, because now I am out $1000 and they are coming out with a TSB for this. Now I can say this is definitely the last Ford product I buy.


Actually, if they do come out with the TSB, you will likely get your money back. What do ou expect, when the first few SVT products come back with smoked clutches (especially from a young guy like yourself) they have no choice to expect that it was your fault.

When lots of vehicles have the same problem (and the more there are, statistically speaking the lesser chance of coincidence) then they bite the bullet and pay for the repairs. Once you see the TSB exists, call SVT, and then Ford Customer Service.

Good luck :)

[SOBESVT]

Originally posted by j-dub
My clutch went out 5 months ago at a little over 12,000 miles and I had to have my clutch replaced. ... . Anyway, I heard the noise that everyone is referring to, and took it in to the dealership and they told me they didn't hear anything.

I complained bitterly about my dealership cause it took them 1 week to fix the clutch and tried to give me back a dirty car, but after this j-dub's and Black03SVT's experiences I think I have to be grateful that my dealership just fixed the damn thing without trying to extort any money of my pockets!! :spinem:

[imajsdaddy]

So, is there a number for the clutch out yet? I'd like to have it fixed if possible.... Before the problems start!

Other than once gunning it and I sat still at 6500ish rpms! Haven't had any problems... however I know the car and expect it to be a major issue eventually!

[focuzdSVT]

Hi, new to the board, I have read alot of boards about the tranny issues. Mine is going in the shop on Mon, to see what the deal is. Also I just got off the phone with Mike at SVT. He told me that there was no new flywheel or clutch out for the SVTF. If anyone doubts this give em a call yourself (1-800-FORD-SVT). He told me that he knows of one msg board where it is said they have one, but it is false. Not to stir the pot, but this is what SVT told me.

[PAN360]

D'oh!

[imajsdaddy]

typical! So were all stuck with a weak a55 chitty clutch!

Annoying!

[BlurryBlue]

Not to knock on the new guy but I wouldn't jump to any conclusions just because ONE person says something.


I would rely on multiple reports about this whole clutch issue and then make a determination based on that. I personally hope they do come out with something new, if they don't I will be calling them as well and I will be able to report back and give my $.02!

[imajsdaddy]

Then again... Look in the TSB thread on the SVTF main page.

Did any one ever get a recall notice or anything about your horns!

Bet not... Teh horn design on the SVTF is flawed and needs to be replaced... Anyone who lives in an area where there is ever water on the road (another words if it rains where you live) probably have noticed your horns make different sounds after the rain!

I think all the stuff that is being fixed is only being fixed on a car by car basic and not on a "recall" wide basis like it should be!

Things like clutches being bad are a mojor problem and should be replaced every single car of that model not just the ones who's car is not functional!


Basically I want to have my clutch replaced before I have to go in and be harrased by the dealer... I want to have SVT send a recall out due to malfunction fo the clutches as so many have had!

[PAN360]

It sounds to me like my heat shield, which has already been been replaced on one account and tightened up on another, is starting to rattle again.

Oh well, it is a domestic with a heck of a lot of performance for the money. I/We really shouldn't be too surprised.

As far is this thread is concerned, it sure would be nice to get the grinding/whirring sound coming from the clutch/flywheel area fixed. I wonder what it's going to cost me.

Foci Unite!
:cool:
I think I'll have another Ouzo

[focuzdSVT]

Not to knock on the new guy but I wouldn't jump to any conclusions just because ONE person says something.

Well, from the posting on this board it sounded like SVT was solving the issue. So, I call them to let them know that I was having the same problems as alot of ppl and that is what they told me. Someone is being lied to, weather it was me or the other guy who said they would have a flywheel out soon I'm not sure. My whole point was to let ppl know that SVT told me they do not have a flywheel out.

[imajsdaddy]

It wasn't for a flywheel it is for a new clutch assembly! Supposedly!

[bsohn]

Any Updates on the clutch issue??

[RicRat]

Guy on another forum is claiming his dealer told him
in a week or two. States his car is in for clutch and
tranny leak, and dealer said will wait for new clutch
to come out instead of replacing with old one.

I think its about time I give SVT a call...

[imajsdaddy]

I forgot to ask about it when I called about the brakes not working!
Sorry...

RicRat, you gonna call?

[vampyre]

I have been reading the post and have not yet had sound coming from the clutch. But i have been smelling something bad if the car gets high reved ( i have yet to take it over 6kRPM). is this part of this issue?

[PAN360]

Yah, I've had that too-I think :confused:
A couple of times driving along I thought my girlfriend "cut one" and vice-versa :eek: . I figured that it had to be coming from outside(at least I hoped it was). Thankfully, I haven't had that happen in a few weeks.

Could it be from the clutch? Dunno, maybe.

Oh, by the way, congratulations on your new car (love the mod') and welcome to the forum.

Cheers
:beer:

[bsohn]

Originally posted by PAN360
Yah, I've had that too-I think :confused:
A couple of times driving along I thought my girlfriend "cut one" and vice-versa :eek: . I figured that it had to be coming from outside(at least I hoped it was). Thankfully, I haven't had that happen in a few weeks.

Could it be from the clutch? Dunno, maybe.

Oh, by the way, congratulations on your new car (love the mod') and welcome to the forum.

Cheers
:beer:

It might be from the clutch as the smell of a burnt clutch is BADDDD. I have over reved the thing and let the clutch slip to much a few times (first manual transmission car) and it really smells. My car did have the Flywheel replaced at about 5000 miles at which time I also got the YRFO Update.. I was just about the information on this because my clutch seems a little finicky about being smooth, given i can in my mind do the exact same shift at the same RPM and one time it will be rough and the next it will be absolutely seemless.. the car did have the rattle but it ceased when they replaced the flywheel.. If it is going to come again I belive it will happen soon as I am now at 8500 miles.. Though of course with learning I don't abuse the clutch as much as i know I did in the first 3000 miles.

Brion Sohn

[RicRat]

Got home too late to call SVT. They shut down at 6pm EST.
Did try to call Ford, they were worthless.
They are like Sgt. Schultz on Hogan's Hero's.
The only technical dept. they could refer me to was a dealer!!??:jawdrop:

[RicRat]

OK, here's the word I got from Mark at SVT.

They are currently testing new parts, putting some miles
on some test cars to make sure they are acceptable and
are the fix.
He stated the sound I hear is far from "normal", like the dealer
told me. He said to have dealer call the SVT tech line as they
are well aware of the problem. He also stated, the problem is with the flywheel.

So it sounds like we will be getting a new flywheel as soon
as they dissect these new parts and they pass muster.
He would not give me a ETA on this, but told me to call back
every two weeks to check status.

:tmb:

[Zeemee1]

Now I'm freakin as my SVTF goes in tomorrow for a rattle sound from the clutch area. Sounds like a throw out bearing noise. When I depress the clutch it goes away. This is my third ZX3 and first SVT. Both my previous ZX3's had to have the throw out and clutch assemblies replaced for the exact same noise and I never abuse the car, although its extremely fun to go fast through the twisties.:)

[bsohn]

Originally posted by Zeemee1
Now I'm freakin as my SVTF goes in tomorrow for a rattle sound from the clutch area. Sounds like a throw out bearing noise. When I depress the clutch it goes away. This is my third ZX3 and first SVT. Both my previous ZX3's had to have the throw out and clutch assemblies replaced for the exact same noise and I never abuse the car, although its extremely fun to go fast through the twisties.:)

Sound again like the Flywheel issue.. just make sure you let them know the possible cause and to call SVT if they give you any attitude. The SVT dealer i went to gave me a bit of the "don't belive anything you read on the internet" speel when I asked for the YRF0 TSB to be done.. so it took a bit of arm twisting for that but they did figure out the flywheel without any issue.. I figure when the clutch/flywheel TSB is released I will have to do a little more arm twisting...

Brion Sohn

[ASUFocusSVT]

So, basically if they have to replace the flywheel they MUST replace the clutch too is that correct anyone?

[imajsdaddy]

I'd think they would.... Only makes since... Why have a worn clutch with a new flywheel....

Then again we are talking about a large company that is trying to make money! not fix already sold cars!

[bsohn]

Originally posted by ASUFocusSVT
So, basically if they have to replace the flywheel they MUST replace the clutch too is that correct anyone?

With mine they did not touch the clutch itself only the flywheel. Most warrantee's only cover the defective parts so the likely hood of them at this point changing the Clutch and the Flywheel is limited.. However, if SVT comes out with new clutch parts for the purpose of fixing problems they should change them at your request.

Brion Sohn

[Zeemee1]

Well, I got the car back from the Dealer yesterday, they had it for one day and fixed a couple nagging little problems and told me they called Ford and SVT regarding the rattling noise from the clutch area. Basically I was told Ford and SVT know of the problem and are working on a fix, they also told me it was safe to drive the car and they would call me when the fix is official and they have the repair parts in hand. I specifically asked what the "fix" is and the service writer wasn't sure exactly but it had something to do with the clutch/flywheel assembly. I'll keep the rpm's down for now and patiently wait it out unless of course the noise gets worse. I also had the Dealer write everything down on the work order especially the part about the car being safe to drive. I'll keep you all posted.:confused: