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I purchased a 2nd hand Holden Rodeo 4wd diesel in April 2008.

Prior to the 45,000km service I noticed that it was becoming slightly less fluid to change gears and was making a noise however, when I depressed the clutch again it seemed to settle.

A mate said it was probably the thrust bearing.

I have the vehicle serviced at my local Holden dealer.

At 63,000kms they checked the gearbox and said they could not fault the clutch operation however, they did say there was a possibility the clutch pressure plate had a problem but it was not covered under warranty.

Instead it would be considered acceptable wear and tear and any further work undertaken would be at my expense.

Does this sound acceptable or are they giving me the run around.

Kelly

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 15 January 2010

I can only half agree with the Holden dealer on this issue. Clutch problems can be put down to fair and tear or owner abuse (towing in excess of the manufactures limits etc).

Until the transmission is removed and the clutch assembly inspected however, it is impossible to say what the exact cause of the problem is. The Holden dealer cannot say it is definitely not a warranty issue (I am assuming the vehicle is still under new car or dealer warranty).

What they should say is, it is possible it is not a warranty issue and you would need to give them approval to remove the gearbox and clutch assembly to investigate further.

If it was deemed to be a faulty part causing the problem and covered under warranty, then you should not be expected to pay anything. If it was wear and tear or abuse of some sort then you would be expected to pay which is fair enough.

In my opinion it would be up to the Holden dealer to prove or show you why they think you should be paying if they thought the required repairs were not covered under warranty.

Don't roll over too easy on this one Kelly but at the same time be reasonable and try and work with the dealer.