If you’re like most people and drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission you don’t ever think about a clutch. Which is fine because you have a “torque converter” instead. But if you drive a stick-shift you probably recall some difficulties learning to use the clutch and manual transmission. If that’s you, you just might want to know more about clutch maintenance along with some clues indicating that you may need a clutch repair.
What Does a Clutch Do?
Gasoline and diesel motors produce the most power over a relatively small range of engine rpm (rotations per minute). So the transmission has several gear ratios to match that to the rpm your tires need to turn for the speed you want to go. In order to shift gears a clutch disengages the motor for the short time it takes to get the speeds (rpm) to match exactly. Connecting the engine’s flywheel to the transmission, its key mechanism is a high-friction pressure plate that’s normally pressed tightly against the flywheel to transmit the engine’s power. When engaged the clutch’s pressure plate pulls slightly away, allowing the engine to run independently of the transmission and tire speeds.
Clutch Maintenance
In older vehicles and some economy models the clutch is activated by a cable, but most vehicles now days use a hydraulic system similar to brakes and power steering.
With numerous moving parts, clutches need periodic service and maintenance to avoid big problems and increase the lifespan of your vehicle. You want to make sure your maintenance is performed by a mechanic certified in transmissions, even if it’s not bundled in with auto transmission services.
It usually takes about an hour for a clutch adjustment and inspection and includes checking and filling the hydraulic fluid level. It should be performed according to the service schedule for your make and model. As with other automotive fluids, clutch hydraulic fluid should also be replaced at longer scheduled service intervals.
Repairs
Anything can break, and anything that moves experiences wear. For clutches wear is most significant on the flywheel, pressure plate, and bearings. Here are some common signs that it’s time for clutch repair service.
- Slipping — When there’s not enough friction between the pressure plate and flywheel you’ll experience jerks or slipping out of gear. You’re likely to first notice it going up a steep grade, with a heavy load, and when towing. Most likely you have a worn out clutch.
- Sticking — Even with the pedal to the floor you have difficulty shifting gear. That could mean a simple adjustment, or the need to replace the linkage or plate.
- Mushy Pedal — If the pedal feels soft it’s probably due to air in the hydraulics that needs to be bled out. On the other hand, if the pedal feels loose it’s probably a linkage issue.
- Odor — Smelling something like burning paper means there may have been excessive wear and you need a clutch adjustment.
- Sounds — Hearing grating or grinding sounds also indicate the need for maintenance or repair services.
For some vehicles slipping or sticking may mean a clutch cable repair or adjustment. Hydraulic issues may mean replacing seals and gaskets or perhaps replacing the master and/or slave cylinders. Other common repairs include resurfacing or replacing the flywheel.
For the best reliability and lifetime, it’s often best to replace all components together. A “clutch job” typically includes includes replacing the pressure plate, disk, and bearings (release, pilot, and/or throw-out bearings). In some cases it may be more economical to replace the entire assembly even though that’s essentially a full-day job.
Pacific Automotive for Clutch Maintenance
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