8 SURE SYMPTOMS OF A WORN CLUTCH SET -

If you drive a stick shift (a manual transmission car) it’s good to know the symptoms of a worn clutch set.

If you own a stick shift for a prolonged period of time (more than 200 000 km or 120000 miles) you’re bound to run into this problem.

The clutch set can last more or less than this estimate, it mostly depends on how you drive.

Recognizing the symptoms of a worn clutch set will help you prevent bigger problems, total breakdown, and being left stranded on the road.

Besides this article, you can watch our video dedicated to the dual mass flywheel problem which is tightly related to this topic.

You can also watch various other car-related topics on our YouTube channel.

CHECK EVERYTHING CONNECTED TO THE CLUTCH SYSTEM

Before making any kind of repairs, you should check the whole clutch system in order to avoid making a replacement for nothing,

Know that a clutch set replacement takes time (in most cases, the transmission has to come down) and is an expensive job on most cars.

For instance, if you have a hydraulic clutch check that there is enough fluid in the system and that the clutch cylinder isn’t leaking or it isn’t faulty.

If you have a cable system check that the cable isn’t jammed or worn out.

These reasons alone have caused unneeded clutch replacements more than once.

Also, check you’re maintenance log and check the mileage, the clutch set has a lifespan and eventually, you’ll have to replace it.

SYMPTOMS OF A WORN CLUTCH

1. HARD CLUTCH PEDAL

The driver in most cases first recognizes clutch problems by the feel of the pedal.

A hard pedal is one symptom. Usually, the pedal becomes harder and harder over time and the problem may eventually progress to having to use some serious force to press it.

In this case, the cause of the problems may be the clutch pressure plate.

2. SOFT PEDAL

Opposed to the previous symptom of a worn clutch set is a soft pedal.

The pedal may seem mushy, it is very easy to push, and it returns back a bit slower.

If you experience this symptom, you should previously check the clutch cylinder.

If you want to learn more about how to use the clutch in a manual transmission car click here.

3. THE CLUTCH BITES HIGHER OR LOWER

Once the pedal starts acting unusually, you may notice that the so-called “bite” point is a bit higher or lower than usual.

The bite point is where the clutch plate starts engaging and the car starts moving.

When the clutch is OK the bite point is somewhere in the middle, when it starts being higher or lower problems are in sight.

The cause may be a worn-out clutch pressure plate.

4. HEAVY SHIFTING INTO GEAR

By this time you may notice that the shifting is not as smooth as usual.

The gear shift when going in and out of gears will seem like it’s getting stuck all the time.

Either this or it may jam in one of the gears when the clutch is really worn out.

The usual cause of problems is a bad clutch pressure plate.

5. THE CLUTCH SLIPS

A slipping clutch is when you’re driving and all of a sudden the revs go up while the car still maintains the same speed.

The slipping may also happen on uphills or when the car is under load. Simply the clutch plate loses friction and it slides instead of having a firm grip.

6. A BURNING SMELL FROM THE ENGINE BAY

A slipping clutch may be accompanied by a burning smell. The smell will appear when the car is under load, on an uphill, or when the clutch set is severely worn out.

The smell comes from the clutch plate segments that, due to the high temperatures from slipping, start to burn.

7. THE CAR TREMBLES WHEN MOVING

This symptom of a worn clutch set is somewhat dramatic. You may notice a small trembling when the car moves from a standstill.

As the clutch set deteriorates more, the trembling may become even worse.

The trembling is caused in most cases by a worn-out or damaged clutch pressure plate.

Another reason may be a warped or damaged clutch plate.

8. GRINDING NOISE

One more sign of a worn clutch set you may also notice is a grinding sound coming from the engine bay.

At first, you can barely hear it, but as the problem gets worse, it can be very loud. Also, it may go away when you press the clutch pedal but return when you release it.

In most cases, the cause is a bad release bearing.