Clutch worry

I have a late-2009 Ford Focus with a 1.6 petrol engine and 33,500 miles on the clock, which I have owned for just under a year. The mileage is correct according to the main dealer service history and MOT certificates. Unfortunately, I do not have any receipts for any work done.

I am having problems engaging reverse gear without crunching. I have no other selection problems with the forward gears. I have never had this problem before in my motoring life with a great number of cars. The advice from internet forums is “Just live with it.”

Before I take the car to the garage that has done all the servicing and repairs on my cars in the past, could you tell me if this a known problem with this gearbox, which I believe is an ib5, or is it simply a case of adjustment? Ken Brighten

The clutch operation on your Focus is hydraulic and no adjustment is possible. Although bleeding the clutch out may offer a short-term remedy, it's unlikely to solve the problem in the long term. If bleeding out the hydraulic system fixes the problem this normally means air has entered the system, usually as a result of a failing concentric clutch slave cylinder. This unit is fitted within the bellhousing and can only be replaced by removing the gearbox. If this is the case, fitting a complete new clutch would be advisable.

Next time you select reverse, try first pumping the clutch pedal two or three times. If the gear will then select smoothly, this will confirm the clutch release system is to blame. Any dragging of the clutch will show up when attempting to select reverse, as unlike the other gears, which have a sychro-hub to ease engagement, the reverse gear does not.