Super Stiff Clutch Pedal After Extended Driving

17521 Views 34 Replies 28 Participants Last post by GmpaJimj, Sep 24, 2020

james_mak

Discussion Starter · Jul 27, 2017 (Edited)

Hi Everyone:

Sorry if this is a really duh question, but I am not as mechanically inclined as most here. I bought my Focus RS because I love Ford, I love the brand and to me the purchase was a no brainer

So, I have finally taken a long trip in my RS (about 400 miles) and I noticed that after driving on the expressway for an extended period of time 70+ MPH when I eventually need to engage the clutch to exit the freeway or whatever the case may be the pedal is stiff as hell... at least 35-50% more effort needed to depress than normal. I have driven a stick shift most of my life and cannot remember the clutch acting in this manner on other vehicles.

Has anyone else noticed this? If not, is this a problem - and if so, what could the problem be?

Thank you all in advance for any replies you may have - and again apologies for my lack of mechanical knowledge

Edit: The car should be broken in - it had 9,000 miles when this was noticed

Reactions: 2

1 - 20 of 35 Posts

LigerZero

· #2 · Jul 27, 2017

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who noticed this. It happened a couple times on my 15 hour trip to Florida and yesterday on my 2 1/2 hour trip to Virginia. Definitely the first time I've ever encountered this in a manual but my last manual was a 1993 Mustang. So I don't know about newer technology.

Reactions: 2

james_mak

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 27, 2017

Me too - after I noticed it the first time I had myself questioning my sanity - but after it happened a few times I was pretty sure the stiffer clutch was not just my imagination

Hopefully someone can provide some insight!

The_Greg

· #4 · Jul 27, 2017

I have also noticed this on as short as 20 minutes on the freeway. I'm not too concerned about it but don't know what may be the cause.

EnfinityX

· #5 · Jul 27, 2017

Yes I've noticed it but it's only the first or second time after the extended drive. Goes back to normal really quickly

Thelastosirus

· #6 · Jul 27, 2017

I had this issue on my first motor/clutch. Long story short, my clutch and slave cylinder was replaced. It feels completely different now. I suspect they redesigned them. If your pedal sticks (doesn't come all the way up) and you get a burnt smell from it slipping, get to the dealer ASAP to document this. Unless you looking to pay $1000 for a new clutch job.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

dskeet

· #7 · Jul 27, 2017

I've had a 16 and 17 RS. Noticed this in both. It's basically the first pedal press after not using the clutch for a long period.

Reactions: 2

james_mak

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 27, 2017

Thank you for shortening my long winded description into something much more manageable.

Your statement is exactly what I have noticed. Just curious as to why.

Apolloski

· #9 · Jul 27, 2017

I had it happen to me as well. Noticed it for both 16 and 17. 20-30 min extended free way drives.

Austin

· #10 · Jul 27, 2017

This is pretty common, it was common on the the ST's as well. I think it's a characteristic of the master cylinder/slave cylinder setup.

Promit

· #11 · Jul 27, 2017

Gonna have to pay attention next time. After the WRX, I might not even automatically notice 50% more clutch effort...

shaddai

· #12 · Jul 27, 2017

james_mak said:
Hi Everyone:

Sorry if this is a really duh question, but I am not as mechanically inclined as most here. I bought my Focus RS because I love Ford, I love the brand and to me the purchase was a no brainer

So, I have finally taken a long trip in my RS (about 400 miles) and I noticed that after driving on the expressway for an extended period of time 70+ MPH when I eventually need to engage the clutch to exit the freeway or whatever the case may be the pedal is stiff as hell... at least 35-50% more effort needed to depress than normal. I have driven a stick shift most of my life and cannot remember the clutch acting in this manner on other vehicles.

Has anyone else noticed this? If not, is this a problem - and if so, what could the problem be?

Thank you all in advance for any replies you may have - and again apologies for my lack of mechanical knowledge

Edit: The car should be broken in - it had 9,000 miles when this was noticed

I notice this too... you're not alone!

ProfessorFate

· #13 · Jul 27, 2017

Some of the early cars had clutch troubles that were cured by bleeding the clutch or as was the case with @Thelastosirus, replacing the slave/master and bleeding.

Paolo

· #14 · Jul 27, 2017

Yes highway driving, i have felt this.
It disappears after parking overnight.

VaderRS

· #15 · Aug 1, 2017

I have for sure noticed this. Cruising on the fwy 65+ mph and when it's time to slow down for whatever reason and downshift, the clutch really fights you during let's say 4th to 3rd, but haven't noticed it once it's time for 3rd to 2nd and then 2nd to 1st.

Also not an expert here BUT I have noticed that after I swapped out my clutch spring with steedas it has fixed the problem for me. But I'll keep an eye on it and report back if it's still there.

DeNoZZo

· #16 · Aug 1, 2017 (Edited)

I remember old turbo talon would do this after some time. I can't remember the exact remedy but I think it was the clutch pedal adjustment at the master cylinder that solved it. The DSM guys had a name for this problem but I can't remember what it was. Maybe clutch pump or something. Something to do with the fluid expanding when it got hot No idea if it would be the same problem.

But I can say we just went on a 200 mile trip and I didn't notice it at all. December 16' build date if it means anything

Edit*
I just went back to the DSM forums to check and those cars experienced something called pedal pump that is similar symptoms to what you guys are describing. A little disclaimer I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS RELATES TO THE RS. Maybe an expert can chime in, but I'm sure most hydraulic clutch systems are similar. Anyways here is the quote describing it

"There is a release valve in the master cylinder. When a properly adjusted clutch pedal is released, a stopper is hit as you let off the pedal, and this stopper opens the release valve within the master cylinder. This relieves excess pressure in the clutch lines by opening a path to send fluid back to the reservoir. If the push rod between the pedal and master cylinder is adjusted too long, the stopper is never hit, and the release valve is never opened. One result is "pump-up". Eventually, the clutch is fully disengaged even with the pedal all the way up. A week or two ago, someone posted a link to a great article describing this release valve. I'll try to dig it up and post it."

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Reactions: 3

jumperalex

· #17 · Aug 2, 2017

DeNoZZo said:
I remember old turbo talon would do this after some time. I can't remember the exact remedy but I think it was the clutch pedal adjustment at the master cylinder that solved it. The DSM guys had a name for this problem but I can't remember what it was. Maybe clutch pump or something. Something to do with the fluid expanding when it got hot No idea if it would be the same problem.

But I can say we just went on a 200 mile trip and I didn't notice it at all. December 16' build date if it means anything

Edit*
I just went back to the DSM forums to check and those cars experienced something called pedal pump that is similar symptoms to what you guys are describing. A little disclaimer I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS RELATES TO THE RS. Maybe an expert can chime in, but I'm sure most hydraulic clutch systems are similar. Anyways here is the quote describing it

"There is a release valve in the master cylinder. When a properly adjusted clutch pedal is released, a stopper is hit as you let off the pedal, and this stopper opens the release valve within the master cylinder. This relieves excess pressure in the clutch lines by opening a path to send fluid back to the reservoir. If the push rod between the pedal and master cylinder is adjusted too long, the stopper is never hit, and the release valve is never opened. One result is "pump-up". Eventually, the clutch is fully disengaged even with the pedal all the way up. A week or two ago, someone posted a link to a great article describing this release valve. I'll try to dig it up and post it."

Club DSM to the rescue!!!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Reactions: 1

EsotericRS

· #18 · Aug 2, 2017

I have noticed this a while back and yesterday I went on a 120 mile trip where I ran into this issue once when pulling off the interstate. Is this an issue I should be bringing to the attention of my service department?

LigerZero

· #19 · Aug 2, 2017

I don't think I'm going to worry too much about it until after my next service. Going to get the clutch bled and if the problem persists then I will talk to them. I can't see how it would affect the clutch in any way.

JTPitsch

· #20 · Aug 2, 2017

This happened in both my Fiesta ST and now the RS. I figured its just a Ford thing.

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