Mike Automotive explains that when you press down on the clutch, it engages so it can take the engine’s power and transfer it to the transmission. The clutch then disengages when you release it, thereby shifting the power back to the engine. The transmission needs the power so you can shift the gears smoothly and it can turn the drive train. This makes the wheels move. If the clutch slips, it disengages even though you haven’t released the pedal yet and the power transfer isn’t complete. This is just one sign that your clutch is going bad. Here are other signs.
Higher Catch Point
Before you start to have problems with the slipping clutch, you may start to detect changes in the catch point. This is the place in the clutch where you shift gears. If a clutch is malfunctioning and starting to wear out, the catch point will get higher.
Spongy Feeling
Your clutch may also start feels spongy underneath your foot, which can be a sign that there is a problem with the clutch internally. The changes in the catch point and the sponginess suggest that you need to have the clutch rebuilt at a minimum or replaced. Depending on the miles on the existing clutch, it might be wiser to replace it if it is simply too old.
Burning Odors
If you smell hot odors wafting from the clutch, this is a sign that the clutch is slipping. Unfortunately, the problem is only going to get worse. As we mentioned above, when the clutch slips, the things that need to happen between the engine in the transmission don’t happen. In addition, the burning odors coming from the clutch, again, point to its need for replacement.
Shifting Trouble
If the clutch has slipped in the power is still with the engine, your gears are going to grind when you shift them. In addition, you may feel as if you have to force the manual transmission through the gear cycle. The reason why is that the power needs to be with the transmission to facilitate the shifting of the gears. If the power is with the engine, you will have shifting trouble.
Acceleration Lag
Finally, your clutch has slipped if the acceleration lags when you try to pick up speed after shifting gears. This definitely points to a power transfer problem because the transmission is not turning the drivetrain.
Mike’s Automotive in Juliet, TN, is here to help, so give us a call today to set up a service visit so we can inspect your clutch and recommend the best way to fix it.