Chances are you will be able to tell when your clutch is having problems. Rarely are clutch problems unnoticeable. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair can adjust your clutch every 6,000 miles to make sure you get the most life out of it. A clutch that is well cared for can last 100,000 miles or longer. If your clutch is going out, you will notice one or more of the following symptoms.
Burning Clutch
One of the most common problems an old clutch has is that it slips out of engagement. When this happens, the transmission will lose power and you will smell hot odors. The odors will be coming from the clutch because it is no longer engaged even though your foot is still pressing down the pedal. It’s important to have the clutch inspected if it smells hot.
Gear Problems
A clutch that does not remain engaged will make it difficult to shift gears. It can also cause the transmission to slip out of gear and go back into neutral by itself. A clutch that is operating as it should be allows you to shift through the gear cycle without any issues at all. If you are having problems getting your vehicle into gear or shifting through the gears, your clutch is going bad.
Grinding Sounds
One problem is grinding sounds when you shift the gears. This is an indication that there is still power going to the engine instead of the transmission. The clutch is responsible for shifting this power to the transmission when you shift the gears. If the power transfer is incomplete, the gears will grind. If you continue to shift with grinding gears, you could damage your manual transmission.
High Bite Point
Another indication that your clutch is going out is if the catch point changes. Some people also call this point the bite point. When the clutch is going bad, the catch point gets higher than normal. In other words, the point at which you shift the gears will be higher in the clutch.
Speed Hesitation
Your clutch is also responsible for transferring the power back to the engine once you have shifted gears. If it is unable to do so, your vehicle will hesitate to pick up speed once you release the clutch. It will continue to have this problem until you get the clutch replaced.
Spongy Clutch
Finally, a spongy clutch is a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. You should always feel resistance when you press down on the clutch. If the clutch sinks to the floor with zero resistance or without catching, it is having problems.
Call Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, today to have your clutch inspected and replaced if necessary.
