According to a respected local motor mechanic, quite a number of cars have the same problem, but more so the Hyundai Atos. The problem is the very weak panel where the clutch cable housing has to anchor on the inside body panel (also known as the firewall) through which the clutch cable runs from the pedal to the clutch on the gearbox. After some time the cable housing and anchor tears right through the firewall (see photo) so that you have no clutch at all.
Just above the hole in the Firewall panel this panel is glued to the next panel - glued! Not welded! That begs for a rent to occur in the firewall and is clearly a design flaw! Possibly done so to limit the life of the car... O yes, it is very difficult to weld on the spot that needs to be repaired AND strengthened because there is very limited space!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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According to a respected local motor mechanic, quite a number of cars have the same problem, but more so the Hyundai Atos. The problem is the very weak panel where the clutch cable housing has to anchor on the inside body panel (also known as the firewall) through which the clutch cable runs from the pedal to the clutch on the gearbox. After some time the cable housing and anchor tears right through the firewall (see photo) so that you have no clutch at all.
Just above the hole in the Firewall panel this panel is glued to the next panel - glued! Not welded! That begs for a rent to occur in the firewall and is clearly a design flaw! Possibly done so to limit the life of the car... O yes, it is very difficult to weld on the spot that needs to be repaired AND strengthened because there is very limited space!
The Atos design sucks! (in many other ways too!)
- Adolf K., Kleinmond, South Africa