The clutch on a manual transmission can be an unpredictable thing. Even how long your clutch will last can range anywhere from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles or more. If you pay attention to your clutch, you may pick up some signs that it’s starting to go bad. In some cases, the clutch can be adjusted to resolve the problem. In other cases, Journey Auto Repair may need to replace your clutch. Here are six signs that your clutch is going out and needs replacing.
1. Burning Odors
When you first started driving a clutch, you may have burned it and smelled hot rubber. This is because you were getting used to the feel of the clutch and where the bite or catch point is. You shouldn’t smell burning odors coming from the clutch now. This is a sign that the internal mechanisms have worn down and your clutch is slipping.
2. Grinding
You probably also ground a few gears when you first started driving your manual transmission. Now, you can shift through the gear cycle seamlessly. You’ve noticed recently, however, that you are hearing grinding when you shift gears again. This is a sign that your clutch is not fully engaging and disengaging when you depress it.
3. Hesitation
You’ve also noticed that your acceleration hesitates when you press down on the accelerator and release the clutch. In this case, the clutch is not sending enough power to the wheels of your automobile, and this is why the vehicle hesitates when you accelerate. This is definitely a sign that your clutch has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
4. Higher Bite Point
The bite or catch point is where your clutch catches and you shift gears. As the clutch wears down, the bite point gets higher and higher. If you’ve noticed that your catch point is in a different location than what you’re used to, it could be that your clutch needs to be adjusted. This is also a sign that the internal mechanisms need to be replaced.
5. Shifting Problems
A definite sign that your clutch has gone bad is difficulty shifting gears. This could be getting your vehicle into gear from neutral or shifting through the gear cycle. You should never have problems shifting gears. If you do, your clutch is going bad.
6. Spongy Sensation
Finally, changes in how your clutch feels underneath your foot are also a sign that the clutch is going out. The clutch may start to feel spongy or sink all the way to the floor without catching. You may also hear it squeak when you press down on it and it may rattle when it’s not engaged.
Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, is here if your clutch is going out and needs replacing. Give us a call to set up an appointment.