Do You Need a Clutch Repair?

For most drivers today, the third pedal on the left will forever be a mystery in their driving life. For others, it’s a necessity and an integral part of their daily driving routine. The clutch is an important component of any road-going vehicle. Without its existence, it would be practically impossible to switch gears. The clutch is also the hardest working component in any manual transmission vehicle. Every gear change, start and stop means the clutch is engaging and disengaging. During operation, a lot of friction is created between the clutch disc, flywheel and pressure plate generating heat and wear.

How Does The Clutch Work?

When you press down your vehicle’s clutch pedal, the energy produced by your engine is transferred through either a hydraulic or mechanical system to release the fork of the clutch, which disengages it from your transmission. In normal conditions, a driver should be able to press the clutch pedal, change gears and then release the clutch pedal. This action reconnects the transmission to the engine, allowing power transfer.

How Does The Clutch Work Part II

During this process, the most important components of the system, and usually the ones that are most affected are the clutch plate, flywheel, throw-out bearing, and the pressure plate. Your vehicle’s flywheel connects directly to your engine, and the clutch disc connects to the flywheel. At the center of the clutch disc is a hub that fits into the transmission shaft. When the power is connected (while not pressing the clutch), the energy produced is transferred from your vehicle’s engine through the clutch and flywheel to the transmission. When the clutch pedal is depressed, power transfers through the connecting linkage to the throw-out bearing. When the throw-out bearing is moving down, it activates the spring found in the pressure plate than then forces it to release the clutch disc.

Symptoms Of A Bad Or Failing Clutch

Like any other mechanical component in your vehicle, your clutch is prone to wear and tear. You’re your clutch is failing, it will throw off a number of signs including; the clutch pedal is too hard or too easy to push, or your vehicle takes too much time to get into gear.

Engine Races But The Car Moves Slowly

When your vehicle starts slowly but your engine races in high gear, it’s known as clutch slippage. Slippage is common especially when your clutch disc wears out. It means the friction material is worn out thin and there isn’t enough surface left to grip on the pressure plate and flywheel, which makes it extremely hard for the engine to transfer the power to your transmission.

Difficulty Engaging Reverse Gear

Another common symptom of a faulty clutch is difficulty getting into reverse or out of third gear. Gears getting stuck is a clear indication of a fault with your manual transmission’s slave and master cylinder or both. Ideally, you will notice a change in the way your clutch pedal feels, either loose or spongy or not as catchy as before.

Grinding Noises When Shifting Gears

This problem is commonly known as a dragging clutch. It normally happens when the clutch disc remains engaged, forcing the transmission input shaft to keep spinning even when the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Since your transmission’s input shaft is still spinning, trying to shift into gear will cause them to grind or clash.

Sticky Clutch Pedal

Your vehicle’s clutch works through a hydraulic linkage, and when this system fails, it normally results in a sticky clutch, often getting stuck as the floor or increasingly becomes difficult to press. In some cases, adjusting the linkage will solve this issue; however, if it is leaking hydraulic fluid, it will lose pressure and the linkage system will need replacing. It might also be advisable to replace the clutch to resolve this issue fully.

How can AAMCO Boise Help?

You must pay close attention to the troubling signs that your vehicle gives you regardless of what system it originates. In case you suspect that your vehicle needs a clutch repair service our specialized Boise mechanics will be happy to help.

At AAMCO Boise we offer complete clutch repair and maintenance services at our state-of-the-art facility. We also deal in transmission repair, brake repairs, check engine light checks, engine tune-up service, oil changes, belts and hoses, battery maintenance and service, regular car maintenance, exhaust systems, and many more. To make an appointment, contact us or visit our Boise transmission experts today! Your vehicle’s health is our obligation!

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