The clutch may not be the most visible part of a car, but it plays a crucial role. Every time a driver slows down at traffic lights or shifts gears, the clutch does the heavy lifting.
People ignore clutches until something goes wrong. The signs include the gearbox becoming stiff, the car not speeding up as quickly as it used to, and more. All the signs indicate the need for a mechanic’s attention.
But what could be the possible clutch problems? Are there any tips to maintain the clutch? There are so many questions related to the clutch, which is why the blog has everything related to it.
What is a Clutch?
In simple words, the clutch acts like a mechanical device connecting and disconnecting the engine from the gearbox. It lets the driver control how to deliver power to the car’s wheels. Hence, it is helpful for controlled driving, especially in traffic and hilly roads.
The clutch might seem like a simple device, but it comprises components like a pressure plate, flywheel, clutch disc, and release bearing. When the driver hits the clutch pedal, the components start working together to disengage the vehicle’s engine from the wheels.
When driving a manual transmission vehicle, the clutch plays a significant role whenever the driver presses the clutch pedal. Gear changes are impossible without it. Additionally, it prevents the engine from stalling whenever the car stops. In case the clutch fails, the vehicle loses its proper moving ability.
Common Clutch Problems
1) Slipping clutch
Among the problems with the clutch, the most common one is slipping. In this case, the engine revs but does not gain speed as expected. It occurs when the clutch disc becomes worn out and loses its ability to hold the flywheel. Thus, it increases the vehicle’s engine strain and reduces fuel efficiency.
2) Clutch pedal sticking
Sometimes, when a driver presses the clutch, it fails to return to its normal position. The culprit behind this issue is the presence of air in the hydraulic system. Also, there are chances of the master/slave cylinder not working. It would be better to fix the problem on time before the clutch leads to further damage.
3) Hard clutch pedal
If pressing the clutch pedal feels quite hard, the reason might be a faulty cable or worn-out pressure plate. Hence, the clutch linkage needs to be adjusted or even replaced. A hard clutch pedal can result in an uncomfortable driving condition, which frustrates most drivers, mainly in stop-start traffic.
4) Grinding noise during gear shift
The grinding noise generally means the car’s clutch is not fully disengaging. The reasons could be worn clutch components or a misadjusted cable. By ignoring the noise, drivers might damage their vehicle’s gearbox. Thus, a professional should go through the system before the issue becomes serious.
Steps Mechanics Follow to Perform Clutch Repair
While performing the clutch repair process, the experts follow a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Initial checks
In the first step, the technicians take the vehicle on a test drive to diagnose the issue. They look for signs of trouble by checking gear shifting, listening for noise, and more. This makes it easy to determine where the issue is arising.
Step 2: Remove the gearbox
After the inspection, the experts remove the car’s gearbox. It involves disconnecting the driveshaft, battery and other connected parts. Make sure the mechanic uses the right tool to remove the gearbox.
Step 3: Check clutch components
In the next step, the technicians examine the pressure plate, clutch disc, flywheel, and release bearing. If any part shows signs of damage or heat spots, the mechanics repair or even replace it.
Step 4: Reassembly and testing
Once the clutch system’s faulty parts are repaired or replaced, it is time to reassemble it. The experts reinstall the gearbox and tighten all the connections. Lastly, they perform a test drive to check if everything is fine with the clutch.
Tips to Maintain Clutch
1) Shift gears smoothly
Never force gears or skip them, as this can damage the clutch. The best way to put less pressure on the clutch is to gently and timely change the gear. After all, a smooth drive is important to keeping the clutch healthy.
2) Use the handbrake on hills
Rather than using the clutch to hold the vehicle on an incline, it is better to use the handbrake. Avoid balancing the car on the clutch because it might wear out. Thus, it is the best way to drive in cities with a lot of slopes.
3) Avoid riding the clutch
Many drivers have the habit called as ‘riding the clutch,’ which causes unnecessary wear. In this, the driver rests their foot on the vehicle’s clutch pedal. So, always keep the foot off the pedal when not in use.
4) Service regularly
With regular car servicing, clutch problems can be easily spotted much earlier. Technicians check fluid levels and the clutch system during routine checks. Overall, early detection means cheaper clutch repair Leicester.
There is no need to underestimate the clutch because it plays a major role in every journey. A failed clutch can ruin the entire driving experience. However, understanding how the clutch works, its common issues and simple maintenance tips can make a difference. Next time, ask the garage about clutch service while looking for car repair Leicester.
