Clutch health is crucial with manual transmission cars. The clutch is responsible for getting your car in gear and keeping it there until you want it to shift again. When it’s not doing its job, you’re bound to notice symptoms that can make it more difficult to drive. Some clutch problems are more common than others, so we have a few to discuss that you’re most likely to encounter. And if you’re having trouble with your car, the mechanics at your local AAMCO are here to help get your car back in shape.
Clutch Slipping
Got a lead foot? You’re even more likely to encounter clutch slipping when your clutch starts to wear out. This clutch problem happens most commonly during acceleration when more power is applied and necessary and can present as difficulty shifting gears or even a burning smell while your engine revs. The underlying problem is likely to do with your clutch linkage, which may be preventing proper force from being applied on parts of your clutch. It’s also possible you have a problem with the pressure plate or friction discs. A trusted mechanic can diagnose any necessary clutch repairs to get your car working its best again.
Clutch Chatter or Grabbing
Sometimes a rough ride isn’t a suspension problem. If your vehicle shakes or vibrates when the clutch is being engaged, that’s likely what’s called clutch chatter or clutch grabbing. This vibration should stop once the clutch is fully engaged. Often, this is caused by oil on the disc facings, cracks on the flywheel or pressure plate, or hot spots on the flywheel. It’s also possible there’s a problem with your clutch linkage that’s causing clutch chatter. Your mechanic can help figure out if you’re dealing with clutch problems or another auto repair.
Clutch Drag
When you press down on your clutch pedal, the clutch disc is released, allowing gears to shift. Once the pedal is released again, your car should be in gear and you’ll be able to accelerate. If you’re experiencing clutch drag, this process won’t go smoothly – instead, the clutch disc isn’t completely released. This could be due to problems with your clutch linkage, a warped friction disc, or a warped pressure plate. When you’re dealing with clutch drag, you may notice hard shifting (especially with a high RPM), hard starting, movement when starting, or even engine stalling. No matter what, a trusted mechanic can help you get back on the road again.
Pulsating Clutch Pedal
Your clutch pedal should feel firm and move smoothly. If you notice your clutch pedal starts pulsating or vibrating when partially depressed, it points to a clutch problem or other related part under the hood of your car. Most likely, a pulsing clutch pedal is caused by the engine and transmission being misaligned, a distorted clutch housing, or a problem with the flywheel, pressure plate, or friction disc. With so many moving parts that impact your car’s functionality, it’s important to have diagnostics done soon so that any necessary clutch repairs can be handled before they escalate.
Stiff Clutch Pedal
It shouldn’t be difficult to use your clutch pedal. It should move smoothly whether you’re pressing down or releasing it. If it feels like your clutch pedal is stiff and just doesn’t move as easily as it used to, it can point to a problem with your clutch linkage. While you want your clutch pedal to feel firm, it should move easily as you engage or disengage your clutch. Have a mechanic inspect your clutch and connected systems to ensure all parts are working their best.
Trust AAMCO Boardman with Your Next Clutch Service
Time for a clutch repair? Look no further than your local AAMCO Boardman auto repair shop. Our mechanics are on hand to help diagnose any repair your car needs, from clutch problems to engine repairs – or even just regular maintenance services. Give us a call if you have questions or concerns about your car’s clutch or other systems. Plus, we make it easy to schedule an appointment with us online.