Photo: Raduz
There’s no experience that can rival the thrill of driving a manual. Manual-transmission cars are a rarity nowadays, so it’s understandable that you’d want to protect your car from wear and tear, whether it’s vintage classic or a modern, sporty roadster. Here’s a look at a few signs that your clutch needs a checkup.
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Mileage matters
Even the highest-quality parts wear out eventually. Your car’s clutch should last between 50,000-100,000 miles, but this estimate varies based on how you drive. If you primarily drive short trips with many stops and starts, your clutch will wear out faster from shifting between low gears.
If you drive a manual, you’re probably pretty in-tune with your vehicle. Unusual sounds, like rumbling or squeaking when you press the clutch, are sure signs that it’s time for maintenance. There could be trouble with the input shaft, pilot bushing or release bearing. However, these pesky noises could also indicate an issue with the friction disk or release fork. Have an expert check out your car for a precise diagnosis.
Trembling troubles
If your clutch chatter, grabs, and vibrates, your car’s clutch is crying out for help. This problem will be especially pronounced when starting from a stop — the car will jerk and shake when you release the clutch. While this could indicate damaged engine mounts or loose springs, it could also point to problems with the pressure plate, flywheel, or disc,
Stubborn stick shift
When it becomes physically difficult to switch gears, your clutch is probably failing. You’ll notice the most difficulty when trying to shift from neutral to first gear, or from neutral to reverse. This could be caused by unwanted air in the hydraulic system or mechanical linkage problems
Weak pedal pressure
The clutch pedal shouldn’t feel limp or spongy. Also, if you’re the clutch out most of the way before the gear catches, you probably need a new clutch.
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Sources: It Still Runs, Halfords Autocentre
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.
