Is Your Clutch Going Bad?

If you have driven a manual shift car, you must be quite familiar with the clutch. What exactly is a clutch? Your engine is always spinning, but there has to be a mechanism that allows the wheels to disengage so they can stop spinning. This is where your clutch comes into play. It disengages the wheels without killing the engine.

This is probably the most hardworking component in a manual transmission. It engages and disengages at every start, stop and gear change. 

Signs Your Clutch Needs Repair or Replacement

The clutch mechanism is comprised of various parts including the flywheel, clutch disc, pressure and friction plates.

Its average lifespan is estimated to be between 20,000 and 150,000 miles depending on your driving habits among other factors. The friction created between the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc generates a lot of heat and wear. Some of the key signs that you may need clutch maintenance, repair and replacement include;

1. Strange Clutch Noises

Have you experienced a grinding sound when shifting gears? Though not always due to a malfunctioning clutch it may indicate that your clutch hasn’t fully engaged or a dragging clutch that isn’t fully releasing. If you step on the clutch pedal and get a squealing noise, there may be a problem with your release or pilot bearing. Please take note of any unusual noises coming from your clutch and have them investigated by your technician at AAMCO Colorado.

2. Inconsistency Between Revving and Acceleration

If you hit your gas and notice that the acceleration doesn’t match with the engine’s revving your clutch may be slipping. This often occurs due to a worn clutch disc that can’t connect to the flywheel and pressure plate. As a result, power from the engine is not being effectively transferred to the transmission and wheels causing your engine to overwork for very little output.

3. Burning Smell

A faulty connection between the disc and flywheel can cause a burning smell. This is a sign that your clutch urgently needs to be replaced. If you ignore this and it graduates to a strong burning scent, other components may suffer extensive damage resulting in the need for additional repairs and potentially costly replacements. So, at any hint of a burning odor from your clutch get in touch with AAMCO Colorado right away!

4. Clutch Pedal Feels Different

A clutch pedal with a loose feel indicates that either the release bearing is damaged, or the pressure plate diaphragm spring has failed.

A stiff clutch pedal signals potential problems with the release mechanism or hydraulic system. In this instance, components that may need to be checked include the throw out bearing, clutch fork, pressure plate, linkage and cable. If your clutch stays on the floor when you step on it the release bearing or linkage, may need to be inspected and potentially replaced.

5. Difficulty Getting into Gear

If you step on your clutch pedal but experience difficulty shifting into gear your hydraulic fluid levels may be low. However, there might also be a problem with the clutch linkage. You may also experience this when switching gears as you drive.

Driving and shifting gears

Keeping Your Transmission Running Smoothly

AAMCO Colorado’s team of expert mechanics are licensed, trained, experienced, and certified. You can trust us to help you with your transmission and save you time.

AAMCO Colorado Will Solve All Your Clutch Issues

At AAMCO Colorado, we know that clutch problems can be as varied as the number of components in your clutch assembly. Problems not only emanate from major components such as the flywheel, clutch disc, release bearing or pressure plate but also from small parts such as pilot bearings, bushings, springs and screws. Our experts at AAMCO Colorado will resolve all your clutch-related issues. But it’s important to identify problems with your clutch to have them sorted in good time.

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