If you take proper care of it, you shouldn’t need to replace the clutch in your car, truck, or utility vehicle until you’ve driven one hundred thousand miles or more. This being said, a clutch can fail as early as 50,000 miles. Integrity Auto Repair can help keep your clutch in excellent condition by adjusting it every 6,000 miles. We can also replace parts as they wear out. Eventually, however, you will need to have your clutch replaced. Here are signs that it’s time for this vehicle repair.
Poor Acceleration/High RPMs
When you press down on the clutch, it transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. The transmission uses this power to engage the proper gear and turn the drivetrain. This is what turns your automobile’s wheels. If your vehicle fails to accelerate after you have released the clutch and the engine revs, the transmission is not in gear and the drivetrain is not turning. This is an indication that the clutch slipped and was unable to move the transmission from neutral to first gear.
Problems Shifting the Gears
You may also have problems shifting the gears through the cycle if the clutch is going bad. Again, if the clutch is slipping, it’s not staying engaged in you won’t have a complete power shift. Aside from being unable to shift through the gears, you may hear grinding noises when you attempt to shift gears. This points to the fact that the power is still with the engine rather than the transmission. In severe cases, you may not be able to get your automobile to go into gear.
Spongy Pedal That Sticks or Vibrates
Another sign that your clutch is going out is if the pedal feels spongy, sticks, sinks all the way to the floor without catching, or vibrates. This definitely points to a problem with the clutch’s internal mechanisms. You may also find that the bite or catch point of the clutch has changed. Usually, the point gets higher when the clutch is going out.
Strange Pressure Sounds
Finally, when we say strange pressure sounds, we mean odd noises when you press down on the clutch pedal. These noises can include grumbling, growling, or squealing. You shouldn’t hear any noise when you press down on the clutch pedal. If you do, it’s in need of service at a minimum.
Integrity Auto Repair in Eugene, OR, would be happy to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a clutch inspection for your automobile.
