2004 Kia Optima Seems to be slipping or clutch isn't releas

SASSY_LADY

MEMBER
2004 KIA OPTIMA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
40,000 MILES

When I am switching gears quickly and I FULLY release the clutch and step on the gas it seems that the clutch doesnt disengage immediately. (I've driven standards all my life and it feels like I have the clutch and gas overlapping when I switch to a higher gear.) I had the garage look at it they said at first I needed a new clutch. ($1800) They said it wasnt under the bumper to bumper warranty. When I picked the car up they said it was and charged me only $400. I have only 3 months on the bumper to bumper and I need to know before it runs out. Can you help me?

4 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation, where is the clutch taking up on a normal change, close to the floor or more as you lift the pedal? If the power is coming on with over 1/2 pedal release the clutch is not the best, there also may be a problem with a contaminant on the clutch plate from a gear box oil leak, I feel that the box has to come out to inspect this and fix it correctly.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 3:28 AM

SASSY_LADY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

When the clutch works properly it is about half way in.
Is it possible the gas is not stopping when I take my foot off to engage the clutch causing the clutch to wear prematurly. When it happened before the last repair it got worse till the transmission would not go into first or second gear and so I had it towed in an effort not to cause additional damage. Feels like it might be the same problem but in the early stages.
They said theysaid they removed the transmission assem and foiund flywheel coming apart. The said it was nessary to replace flywheel pressure plate and bearing test when done. (Parts used: disc assy-clutch, cover assy-clut, bearing-clutch)

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Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 5:14 PM

SASSY_LADY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Well I took the Kia to transmission specialists and they found the clutch that had been previously replaced was contaminated with a white grease he believed was used to free up the "arm". You were right. They put in another new clutch and cleaned the "arm" and interior of the case and put the proper heat resistant lubricant. Seems to be working great. They gave me a one yr. Warranty. Thanks
Thought you'd like to know.

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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 8:59 PM

MHPAUTOS