Squeaking clutch on my ZT 1.8T

[Rupert]

I've heard that squeaking clutches on four or five year old ZTs are not at all uncommon, the sound coming from the centre plate as the clutch is engaged. In my case this happens most often when I pull away in nose to tail traffic, i.e. when the clutch is possibly quite warm.

I understand that the problem was cured by a subsequent design update, but to appease my wife's concern that we're about to be stranded with a burnt out clutch, can anyone please tell me if I have anything to worry about. I have heard that if you can ignore the squeak there's no need to be concerned. The car drives as sweet as a nut otherwise, and I'm not a clutch abuser in the normal run of things (the car is a March '04 facelift model).

[Phil]

I believe that a type of clutch, cheaper was used but had this annoying squeak. Nothing more, just a noise. It will be fine from what I have read.

[T-Cut]

The clutch lining material has a harder spec which creates the squeek/groan. Not an issue to get too worried about.

TC

[Jamie]

Rupe, nothing to worry about at all, Ford Granadas used to make the exact same noise caused by a combination of friction material and absence of springs on the friction plate...on the earlier clutches on the 75/ZT they didnt have any cushioning springs in the friction plate either, which caused the squeel...the later ones have springs built into the friction plate which eliminates the squeel.

I have both the old and modified versions sat on my garage floor, there is no difference except the springs, so if you have the clutch replaced at some point make sure they install the later modified version.