You don’t need us to tell you that your manual transmission relies on the clutch to shift gears. Without the clutch, the power will not be transferred from the engine to the transmission for a smooth gear shift. The transmission also relies on the engine’s power to turn the driveshaft, i.e., turn your wheels. Heath’s Auto Service can check your clutch if it’s doing any of the following things.
1. Grinding/Squeaking Sounds
A worn-out clutch is going to cause grinding sounds when you shift gears. This is because it is not fully engaging and completing the power transfer discussed above. You may also hear the clutch squeak as you press down on it if it is wearing out on the inside.
2. Higher Catch Point
Oddly, when a clutch is going out, the catch or bite point can change. The catch point is the place in the clutch when you shift the gears using the gear shift. In many cases, a worn-out clutch will have a higher catch point than when you first started driving your automobile.
3. Hot or Burning Odors
You may also smell hot or burning odors coming from the clutch as it wears down. It’s important to have these odors investigated right away to make sure you aren’t causing further damage to the clutch. An overheated clutch is a sign of a clutch that needs adjustment or replacement.
4. Problems Shifting Gears
Naturally, if the clutch is having problems, you will have problems shifting the gears. You may find it difficult if not impossible to put your automobile into gear from neutral. You may also find that the transmission fights shifting through the gear cycle.
5. Sluggish Acceleration
Your vehicle’s acceleration relies on the power transfer to the transmission to start the wheels turning. If your clutch is going out, you may not have a complete power transfer to the driveshaft and, consequently, you may be unable to accelerate from a stopped position or pick up speed because the wheels aren’t turning.
6. Sponginess Under Foot
Finally, if your clutch pedal feels spongy underneath your foot, this is a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. Changes in how your clutch feels can indicate that the internal parts and bearings have worn out and, consequently, it’s time to overhaul or replace the clutch.
Don’t worry. Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, is here to help with all of your automotive service and repair needs including adjusting or replacing your clutch when it needs it.
