While discussing clutches, we think about manual transmissions, but even an automatic car has a clutch. With a manual transmission, a driver changes the gears; automatic transmissions will do this – as the name suggests – automatically.

No matter what vehicle you drive, friction is created when a gear changes. This fraction inevitably leads to wear and tear on clutch components.

There are many telltale signs when your clutch components need replacing. This blog looks at the four common signs that your clutch needs replacing.

Slipping clutch

A slipping clutch is another sign that your clutch components need replacing. If your vehicle slips out of gear or if you find it difficult to switch between gears, it's likely that the component within the clutch has worn down and requires replacing.

A sensitive or a stuck clutch

A sensitive or stiff clutch is probably the most obvious sign that your clutch needs replacing. If the clutch pedal is hard to push down, there could be an issue with the hydraulic clutch linkage.

Another issue you should look out for is when you lightly press down on the clutch, the transmission disengages immediately. The regular operation of a clutch means that you should push down a few inches on the pedal before the transmission disengages. If the transmission disengages too early, it is likely an issue with the clutch, which you should have checked immediately.

A Burning Smell

This really can't be ignored. If you catch a burning smell when shifting gears like burning rubber, your clutch could be overheating. It's dangerous to drive a vehicle like this. Therefore, we highly

recommend waiting until your clutch cools down before driving to a garage specialising in transmissions.

Smoke

Sometimes the burning smell is accompanied by smoke. An overheating transmission will likely produce smoke: smoke and a burning rubber smell mean your clutch plate is severely worn down. Sometimes the smoke can be accompanied by a loud piercing noise when pressing the clutch.

If you're experiencing any of the above issues, a component within your clutch likely requires replacing. SC auto parts provide the very best clutch components at competitive market rates. To discuss a range of parts, please contact us today.

Throwout

A common problem in a clutch is the wearing out of the throwout. The throwout is a component that is constantly spinning. Therefore, it can wear down or lose its lubrication.

You can detect this problem if a squeaking sound comes from the engine when you turn the car on, but this sound disappears when the clutch is activated. It’s essential to address this issue as soon as possible as it will damage the bearing.

Clutch Disc

Poor or reckless driving will eventually lead to wear and tear to the clutch disc. If your clutch pedal releases higher than usual or your vehicle struggles to accelerate under a heavy load. It’s likely a problem with your clutch disc.

Slave Cylinder

Something an issue can develop with the slave cylinder. Hydraulic clutches rely on the liquid to work; however, when this fluid begins to leak, hydraulic pressure cannot be produced, and the clutch system can stop working.

To find this problem, check your cylinders to see if they are leaking. This liquid will pool underneath the car. Sometimes this problem also produces a strange smell.

Warped Flywheel

A flywheel on a vehicle is bolted to the edge of the crankshaft. Over time a flywheel will begin to overheat and will eventually warp.

An uneven flywheel surface will make the clutch pedal vibrate when released. If you feel a vibration through your clutch, you likely have a warped flywheel.

Worn out Pressure Plate

The pressure plate is designed to clamp the flywheel to the pressure plate. This part can quickly begin to wear down. Like the flywheel, a worn pressure plate will produce a vibrating clutch.

The above represents some of the parts within a clutch that can wear down and require replacing. Contact the experts at SC Auto Parts today if you need a replacement flywheel or clutch.