Taxi Driver Online

Thankfully this doesn't affect me.

Apparently the latest Ford Mondeos with a 1.8 diesel engine have a new type of flywheel. Four of my colleagues have these cars and three of them have had problems with the flywheel. I believe the problem occurs around 60-80k miles.

One of the guys I was talking to has alleged that both Ford and Cab Direct deny liability.

Is it possible that Cab Direct have sold a vehicle that is unfit for purpose, i.e. Use as a taxi?

For the purposes of this thread, you may assume that the vehicle is outwith the warranty period.

It's a very common occurrence on the 2 litre diesel, and mine had to be changed at around 20,000. Ford are well aware of it, as are all their dealers who have made fortunes out of it.

Which brings me to your last point re the warranty. The Ford warranty is 60,000 miles, so I suggest anyone around the 50,000 miles mark invents a noise near the front of the motor.

I'm not sure if Ford yet do a blank flywheel you can put in, but if they do I suggest everyone does when the clutch is changed.

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IDFIMH

It would be an interesting issue to follow should someone make a complaint.

I have heard tales about dealers who wont honour a warranty, cos the vehicle concerned is a taxi/PH. But if that taxi/PH was supplied via a specialist taxi/PH supplier then I think a case could be made and won.

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IDFIMH

Ford dont make or supply a solid flywheel and clutch system, so you have to fork out for another duel mass flywheel, but you can get one for any VW Audi vehicle

I could be wrong but I've heard it's the bearing in the flywheel that's the problem, Cab Direct won't touch them because it's a manufacturer fault. I remember mine going at 40000 miles.

I think all the modern diesels suffer from the same problem - Ford, Vauxhall/General Motors, VW/Skoda.

Obviously it shows particularly badly on taxis because of the heavy clutch use.

It should be repaired under warranty, but no doubt some dealers try to claim that it's a wear and tear issue.

Thanks for all the replies. It's obviously quite a big problem.

To support a previous post, I can see that the manufacturers may consider it wear and tear but, I think Cab Direct, and similar dealers, should be taken to task. After all, they are selling the vehicles specifically for use as taxis. IMHO, it is therefore reasonably forseeable that the vehicle will do up to 100k in it's first year or so. In reliance upon that, any taxi driver would have a cause of action against such dealers in contract law, and, vicariously, against the manufacturers under the principles established in tort in Donaghue v Stephenson (1931).

Unfortunately, it's going to take a brave, and rich, man to pursue such action.

Not that rich, and not that brave IMO.

The small claims court is perfect for a claim of around a £1000. And even if you lose it will only be around £50 max.

In fact it will cost the maker or dealer considerable more than a £1000 to defend it properly.

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IDFIMH

I think, given the volume of vehicles that are potentially involved, a defendant would appeal to a higher court than the Small Claims Court.

Once you get beyond County Court, the degree of specialised knowledge required will be beyond most general practice solicitors and you're in to barrister territory....then watch the costs rack up. Don't lose sight of the resources available to motor manufacturers in such circumstances. For a plaitiff to succeed, they would need to join in a class action, IMHO.

The makers and dealers wont contest a county court case, as it wont be viable for them. They know most drivers will just lump it.

But it's worth remembering I got mine changed under warranty, starter motor as well.

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IDFIMH

Deffo not just Fords. Had a 56 plate Vectra estate 1.9cdti 150bhp, had flywheel and clutch EVERY 20Kish, YES that is 4 replacements in 76k miles, first 3 under warranty, the last I paid for and virtually threw the car away.

the dual mass flywheel (DMF) is required mainly because of the new high torque figures produced by Tdci/Hdi engines, you want the power? well there you go....

the dmf has springs around the outside to absorb the power and cushion other drivetrain components

fit a solid flywheel at your risk (and expect vibrations too)

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Ford DO supply a solid flywheel replacement and a different cank pulley it seems

getting them to adnit it is another thing though

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

and thats a good one....lol

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most