How to Troubleshoot Some Common Clutch Issues
For folks that own cars that feature a manual transmission, pressing on the clutch pedal allows them to shift from a lower to a higher gear and vice versa. With everything else that has moving parts and the clutch being no exception, they eventually wear out. According to most auto repair mechanics being able to know when your clutch is going bad can prepare you in advance so as to avoid costly repairs later on.
Symptom #1: Vibration
If you start to notice a grabbing or chattering clutch it is a good indicator that there is an issue within the clutch mechanism itself. When you press down on the clutch pedal you will notice a jerking or vibrating motion when the clutch is released. This is most obvious when accelerating from a stop. If you have this problem you could be looking at a damaged flywheel or the pressure plate. Other causes could be loose springs or engine mounts that have gone bad.
Symptom #2: Slipping Clutch
This symptom occurs if the pressure plate is not able to hold the friction disc against the flywheel when the clutch is engaged. The result? The disc begins to rotate at a varying speed than the flywheel. The resulting elevated temperature due to the friction produced against the disc will damage the clutch plate to the point of necessitating a replacement.
Symptom #3: Squealing and Chirping Noise
According to auto repair mechanics, noises that are associated with clutch problems can be challenging to determine due to the fact that the sound created can mean different scenarios. If you notice a chirping or squealing noise when you press the clutch pedal it is advisable to have it checked by a mechanic.
Symptom #4: Gear Changing Issues
Clutch release issues may result in different symptoms that will alter the driving experience. If the clutch is unable to disengage properly the disc will continue to spin and will prevent the driver from getting the car into the right gear from its neutral position.