The clutch is one of the most important parts of a manual transmission. The clutch is the transmission part that transfers the engine’s power to the transmission so you can shift gears. The transmission also needs the power to turn the drivetrain. Central Auto Care advises that your vehicle’s wheels are turned by the drivetrain when it turns. Here are five signs that you need a new clutch in your automobile.
1. Changes in the Pedal’s Feel
One of the first things that will happen is your clutch will start to feel different underneath your foot. If the clutch is worn out internally, it will feel softer and even squishy. In fact, the clutch may no longer be able to find its bite point, and it will sink all the way to the floor when you press down on it. In some cases, the clutch can be rebuilt if the damage isn’t severe. In other cases, it may need to be replaced.
2. Changes in the Bite Point
Another way that the clutch will change is it will adjust the bite point on its own as it wears down. Usually, it will change the bite point’s location to a higher point in the clutch’s depression. You may start to grind the gears when you shift them because the muscles in your leg and arm remember the bite point in a lower spot. If the bite point is higher on your clutch, you will need a new one installed.
3. Overheating/Burning Odors
As we mentioned in the introduction to this blog post, the clutch is the part that facilitates the power transfer between the engine and the manual transmission. Unfortunately, an older clutch may start to slip. What this means is that the clutch will disengage before you release it. This will cause the clutch to overheat and smell hot. It will also create problems with the transfer of power to shift gears.
4. Problems Shifting the Gears
Consequently, your manual transmission may start to fight you when you try to shift gears because the transmission isn’t fully powered. You may also hear grinding noises as you shift the gears. Forcing the gears to shift can cause additional damage to the transmission, so it’s a better idea to have the clutch inspected as soon as possible if you are having difficulties shifting through the gear cycle.
5. Acceleration that Hesitates
In addition to difficulties shifting the gears, your vehicle’s acceleration is also going to hesitate when you release the clutch. When the clutch slips, the power does not remain with the transmission. Consequently, the drivetrain will be unable to turn the wheels effectively.
Central Auto Care in Okotoks, AB, is here to help. Schedule a service appointment for your automobile today.