Hi

A friend of mine drove my Fiat Panda, and he said the Clutch is heavy and biting point is low, so I need a new clutch.

But I think it has always been like that - however I might just have gotten used to it over the 6 years of ownership. Not noticing that is has changed, so maybe it was not always like that. What do you say?

It has run a 150.000 km, and is 6 years old - and I don't experience any problems with the clutch or anything else.

Could my friend be right?

Normally a high biting point would point to a worn clutch.

I'd never describe my Panda's clutch as heavy, my Alfas used to have a heavier than normal clutch, assume it's an Italian trait, but some clutches are very light, I've noticed this on most of the Japanese cars I've driven (not that that's loads).

Is your friend comparing it to another Panda, or something else?

Compared to my Punto I would say that it is heavy - meaning harder to press down. Well I think I will keep going, until I notice some actual problems with it.

Thanks for your answer.

If it is not slipping or dragging and there are no new or strange noises, I would not worry
If it ain't broke don't mend it !

When the clutch needed replacing on my TA the bite point got closer and closer to the floor. In its last week it worse very quickly. With hind sight it was quite low when I purchased but didn't know better.

I wouldn't say it got noticeably heavier and can't think why it would mechanically?

As the clutch wears it does get gradually heavier with a diaphragm spring pressure plate.
I believe its to do with the fingers as they move and change angle as the plate wears thus requiring more pressure to operate.

My Doblo had a very heavy clutch and ruined the release bearing, with a new full kit it was as light as a feather.

Older cable clutches did get biting point nearer the top before they become worn out.

More modern fluid/hydraulic released clutches gradually get lower in the pedal position as they wear out, then normally as they are approaching the point of needing replacement you will begin to find it more difficult to engage reverse gear.

So carry on driving with the knowledge that you may in the next 10 to 15k miles need a clutch but when you can't select reverse easily get it booked in at your convenience or even plan to get it done at the next larger service so you have less inconvenience.

Best

Tim