How To Adjust The Kia Rio Clutch?

deronjthomas · 10-26-2005, 08:16 AM

I have a 2001 Kia Rio, and I was told that I have to adjust the clutch every 300 miles. However, no one can tell me where it is. I'm just a computer geek, and not an auto mechanic.

sixjeeps · 10-26-2005, 10:54 AM

I'm 99% confident that the '01 Rio has a hydraulic clutch, similar to my '02 Spectra.

There is no adjustment in the hydraulic clutch per se.

Symptoms that tell you you have a clutch problem would be:
1) With the clutch all the way in, there is consistent grinding or clunking when trying to put the car in gear...especially into 1st at a dead stop. This would mean the clutch is not fully disengaging.
2) With the car in gear, and the clutch pedal fully out, the engine will race somewhat especially around 20-30mph. (The engine will rev without a commensurate change in vehicle speed). This indicates that the clutch is slipping. Most likely the clutch needs to be replaced in this case...not adjusted.

I have 116,000 miles on my '02 spectra without any clutch adjustments, so I'm pretty sure you got bad information about adjusting your clutch every 300 miles

Mark in MA

1fastkia · 11-16-2005, 10:23 AM

the only adjustment possible is to the pedal..

mightymouse4life · 11-23-2005, 03:11 PM

well having some probs my but there is a external adjustin above the tranny just turn the bolt a few times done . that should help

Spec SX · 11-28-2005, 10:06 PM

A member by the name of byron sent me the following in an email. This is what he has to say about this thread....

under the front of the air box. put the car on a hoist or jack stands(properly braced), and the clutch adjuster is a locking adj. screw at the end of the cable right below the front part of the airbox inlet. Anyone who knows how to adjust a clutch will be able to do it for you in about 2 minutes. Once you see it done once, you will be able to do it yourself, but don't overdo it. unless the clutch starts slipping or feels like its not going into gear, don't adjust it, a slightly looser clutch will last longer and as long as its still working well, don't mess with it. do yourself a favor and change the factory gearlube immediately with Castrol/Quaker State synthetic, or you will have all the same problems everyone else is having with their clutches.
bm

1fastkia · 11-28-2005, 11:59 PM

byron is wrong. its a hydrolic clutch no adjustments possible.

MtnMastertech · 12-07-2005, 06:06 PM

Hydraulic clutch models.........there is NO external or internal Transmission adjustment for the clutch. Those nuts are for the shift-cable and shift interlock adjustment on the 2 shifter cables.
The clutch has a pre-loaded slave cylinder similar to most asian imports on the trans.
There is an adjustment on the pedal only. And only for pedal freeplay.
The clutch master cylinder has a threaded rod attaching it to the pedal clevis. Should be an 8mm lock nut on the rod.
Break the lock nut loose and spin the rod with your fingertips to adjust the pedal freeplay, then tighten it back down................be certain you are adjusting it properly. Correct freeplay is critical. Adjustment spec's & procedures are in the service manual(s).
The service/inspection interval is every 30K miles.................not 300.

Murphwiz · 12-07-2005, 06:34 PM

2001 Rio has a cable clutch, which can be adjusted.
Unless US spec cars are very different from EU spec cars.

12mm nut on cable on top of gearbox, adjust till theres a slight free movement in the cable end, should be around 1.5" free play at pedal.

MtnMastertech · 12-07-2005, 06:53 PM

Yes...... 2001 Rio (1.5L) has a cable clutch.

1fastkia · 12-09-2005, 09:08 AM

but there is no 1.5 in the us as far as I know its a 1.6L
and yes most european cars are very different from us versions.