You probably ground a few gears when you learned how to drive with the clutch. Once you got used to it, however, the only sound you heard was the changes in the engine’s RPMs. If you are suddenly grinding the gears again, the problem is not you. Pit Shop Auto Repair advises that the problem is likely the clutch. It has worn out and needs to be replaced. Let’s talk about the other signs of a bad clutch.
A Burning Clutch
If you detect burning odors coming from the clutch, it is unable to stay engaged even though you have it depressed. This is called slipping and a slipping clutch needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Generally, you can expect to get about 100,000 miles out of a clutch that is taken care of. If you are particularly easy on the clutch, you may get more mileage out of it.
A Spongy Touch
Another sign that your clutch is going bad is if it feels spongy underneath your foot. How the clutch resists your foot should not change. If it does, the internal mechanisms have worn out and the clutch is no longer able to give you resistance. It’s important to have the clutch checked right away if it feels soft or spongy. Replacing the clutch as soon as possible keeps your transmission healthy.
Catch Point Changes
Aside from a spongy feeling, you may also notice that the catch point in the clutch has gotten higher. This is a sign that the clutch is going bad. The catch point should always be in the same place. If it has changed, we need to adjust your clutch at a minimum.
Hesitating Acceleration
The reason why you press down on the clutch to shift gears is that it transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. If the clutch is unable to transfer this power, you will have the issues discussed above and below as well as acceleration lag. The lagging acceleration points to the fact that the transmission does not have the power to turn the drivetrain.
Problems Shifting Gears
Finally, if you are having problems shifting the gears, the clutch is likely to blame. As we mentioned above, if you are suddenly grinding the gears every time you shift them, you’re probably driving with a bad clutch. An inability to shift the gears is also a sign that the clutch is gone bad.
Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville, IL, would be happy to inspect your clutch and replace it if necessary. Call us today.
