Clutch Troubleshooting

A clutch is a mechanical car component which transfers driving torque from the engine to the wheels, typically by connecting and disconnecting the driven part to the driving engine. Clutches are of more use in devices having twin rotating shafts. Typically, in such a mechanism, one shaft is attached the engine or the driving unit (called the driving member), and the other shaft (called the driven member) provides output torque for rotation of the wheels. The clutch connects two shafts so that they can either be engaged - be locked together and spin at the same speed - or disengaged - spin independently at different speeds. Hence we can see how important is the clutching mechanism in a car. To avoid or solve any problem with it, here are some tips for you.

Clutch Slipping
Slipping clutch plates occur when the driven member does not rotate at the speed equal to the driving member's even if the clutch is completely engaged. The slipping condition arrives when the pressure plates fails to hold on to the driven member tight enough. In case of severe slippage, the engine rpm will increase rapidly when the gas pedal is pressed, while the vehicle will only gradually increase speed. A continuous slippage of low extent may be ignored until the clutch plates are severely damaged by excessive heat generated by friction.

Some of the causes of clutch plate slipping includes oil or lubricant spillage, overheating or the most common one being wear and tear due to aging. The best way of troubleshooting in such cases is by avoiding driving with half clutch (a condition where the clutch is neither fully engaged nor disengaged). Half clutching causes the clutch plates to scratch of each other, thereby causing excessive heating. This situation in unavoidable in city traffic where the driver needs to change gears very frequently, which increases clutching.

Clutch Grabbing
When trying to engage or change gears, particularly the lower ones, or while moving from standstill, you may notice a grabbing clutch and the vehicle jerks before moving in the normal intended speed. The grabbing condition results when the clutch plates are not able to completely disengage from each other even after the clutch pedal is depressed. This causes the clutch plates to continue rotating with the wheels and attempt to kill the engine's rotation.

This is another condition of deteriorating and aging clutch plate. The best option for clutch troubleshooting in such cases is to replace the old members with new ones, simply because they have outlived their operating life. This is a worsened stage of clutch problem if you continue to ignore the slipping issue.

Clutch Noises
Noise or vibration coming from the clutch is another sign that clutch repair may be needed. Noises may occur when the pilot bearing may be worn out. A cracked spring inside the clutch plate is also a cause of noise and vibration.

It would be best to replace the old bearings with new ones, if they're worn out. It may also be advisable to replace the clutch along with the front seal because the transmission system needs to be pulled out in order to change the bearings. Transmission removal is a costly affair, so it would only make sense to conclude as much repair work as possible while it has been removed.

These were the mainly prevalent problems with the clutch, which are mostly related to issues with aging and improper driving practices. Clutch troubleshooting is all about good driving practices combined with proper care. This is all one needs to reap the best from your clutch system.