[Doggie 1]

I might have spoken too soon about my i30 being so trouble-free. 
Most of you know my car, but to recap it's a 2009 diesel five speed manual and has done nearly 133,000 kms.
Just recently on really cold mornings, when I have first taken off in the morning, the clutch has shuddered and almost "banged" when I released the clutch pedal. Not badly, but it could be felt.
To begin with I thought I was imagining it.
This is for the first few gear changes, after which it is completely normal and smooth as it has always been.
My car is usually kept in an enclosed garage.
Last night I left it outside and the temperature dropped down to about 0 or 1 degree (I'm not sure if this is relevant).
When I set off this morning, it was worse. The clutch shuddered badly and when the pedal was released it really gave a distinct thud.
After five or six gear changes it was back to normal and has behaved perfectly all day.
I just wondered what might be causing this. Does anyone have any ideas?
I am always gentle on the clutch, don't "ride" it etc and as I said, it may just be co-incidental but it has started happening on very cold mornings but it's certainly not normal.
Thanks.

[bryanj86]

The clutch in any car can let go at any time, but obviously not most of the time. 

After 100,000km the clutch in any road car that has been used in city etc will wear out. I think 130,000km is good for a clutch that has been used in the city and highway (much city???). My old Rav4 used to shudder in winder when it needed a clutch replaced... It used to shudder for the first few minutes until warmed up a little.

Perhaps it is time to replace the clutch?? I know I have not said a lot in my post but yeah. My two cents worth.

[Doggie 1]

Thanks for that. I think 
Clutches I presume will not be covered under NCW, even though it's a five year NCW.

[asathorny]

Clutch Judder is caused by the clutch components and flywheel not meeting concentrically. The friction surfaces rub concentrically causing a low frequency vibration that is transmitted to the car via the engine/gearbox mountings and drive shafts. Causes can be
1) Mis-aligned clutch
2) Clutch wear/broken 'finger' springs
3) Condensation on the flywheel (usually happens on colder nights in which case judder should only last until the condensation has evaporated)
4) Contamination on the clutch such as oil from a leaking gland.

Case 1 will require the clutch to be re-aligned
Case 2 will require a new clutch
Case 3 may happen frequently on colder mornings, but judder will disappear 5 mins into driving.
Case 4 Replacement of the clutch plates

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_makes_a_clutch_judder#ixzz213wODXkH

I imagine your hoping that it item three on the list    good luck

[Doggie 1]

Clutch Judder is caused by the clutch components and flywheel not meeting concentrically. The friction surfaces rub concentrically causing a low frequency vibration that is transmitted to the car via the engine/gearbox mountings and drive shafts. Causes can be
1) Mis-aligned clutch
2) Clutch wear/broken 'finger' springs
3) Condensation on the flywheel (usually happens on colder nights in which case judder should only last until the condensation has evaporated)
4) Contamination on the clutch such as oil from a leaking gland.

Case 1 will require the clutch to be re-aligned
Case 2 will require a new clutch
Case 3 may happen frequently on colder mornings, but judder will disappear 5 mins into driving.
Case 4 Replacement of the clutch plates

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_makes_a_clutch_judder#ixzz213wODXkH

I imagine your hoping that it item three on the list    good luck

Thank you very much for that.
I have to say that number 3 describes it to a "T" but is it still an early warning sign?
I was thinking - presuming that clutches are not covered under NCW, is this a case for considering automatic transmission cars when buying new?
The reasoning being that if an auto transmission failed during the 5 year warranty it would be covered, but if a clutch on a manual goes, it is not covered.

[Dazzler]

If it goes once the weather warms up (which shouldn't be long over there, then I'd forget about it.

If it continues I would take it to Hughes and say please check it out (making it clear you want a phone call before any expense is incurred) Make noises about warranty repair (and don't mention the word clutch  )

I have heard of i30 clutches being replaced in the warranty period..

I might agree about the Auto Dave if the economy was the same as the Manual (But it is not) 

[Doggie 1]

Thanks Dazz. 

[AlanHo]

You need to get it checked - your car probably has a dual mass flywheel and they "bang" when the springs have given up the ghost.

[Doggie 1]

You need to get it checked - your car probably has a dual mass flywheel and they "bang" when the springs have given up the ghost.

OK, thanks.

[eye30]

3) Condensation on the flywheel (usually happens on colder nights in which case judder should only last until the condensation has evaporated)


Case 3 may happen frequently on colder mornings, but judder will disappear 5 mins into driving.

My old i30 had this only on damp mornings.

Checked by dealer etc but left it as it would only happen the once at the first stop and after that was OK.

It reported it on here.  Will post link when I find it.

[Phil №❶]

Even the kindest driver in the world will create resin deposits on the clutch surfaces. Coupled with condensation, there is the potential for mismatch of the mating surfaces, causing this type of problem. As you describe it getting better after warm up, it's probably just condensation, but it is a new development and should be mentioned ASAP IMO.

[Doggie 1]

  for all your replies.
I'll keep you posted as to how it goes.
It's back in the garage tonight but we're expecting two degrees in Perth tonight so it will be 0 or -1 up here in the hills but being in the garage it might be better.
I will let you know. 

[rustynutz]

Hey Dave, for the extra cost you'd pay for an auto, you could probably replace 2 clutches.... 

Oh, and I think I might've jinxed ya as I was just looking at clutches on ebay the other day.... 

[Doggie 1]

Thanks. 

[rustynutz]

[Doggie 1]

 

[eye30]

My old i30 had this only on damp mornings.

Checked by dealer etc but left it as it would only happen the once at the first stop and after that was OK.

It reported it on here.  Will post link when I find it.

Here is link:

https://i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,2720.msg28937.html#msg28937

[Doggie 1]

Thanks for the link - it's an interesting read and obviously we are talking about the same thing here.

Did it ever get worse or get resolved?

It's ironic that on the same date yours was in the garage (April 15th 2009) my car was being delivered.

[eye30]

Did it ever get worse or get resolved?

No to both.

Only happened when damp, not every day it was damp only when damp and wind in a particular direction, and only juddered once at the first stop.

I'm not 100% sure but I think there is a gap, someone will confirm or otherwise, which may allow moisture to settle on the plates.

[Doggie 1]

Thanks. I guess that would explain why it was worse on the night it was left outside.
I'll check it this morning when I pull it out of its bedroom.

[Doggie 1]

Well, all was good this morning. A cold night but kept indoors and no problems at all.
Although when I've noticed it before (other than yesterday) it has been kept inside too.
I'll just have to monitor it and see how it goes I guess.

[rustynutz]

If you have any more trouble, give it a squirt of WD40...that fixes everything...  

[Doggie 1]

Happy to report not a hint of a problem since - must have just been one of those quirky things I guess. 

[Dazzler]

Happy to report not a hint of a problem since - must have just been one of those quirky things I guess. 

Now you are just clutching at straws Dave  (glad it has settled though) must have been condensation