If you are having problems with your vehicle’s clutch, it may be overdue for an adjustment, it may need to be rebuilt, or it may need to be replaced. The general recommendation for adjusting a clutch is every 6,000 miles. We can do that here at John’s Auto Care. Once the clutch starts to go bad, you will notice one or more of the following problems listed below. These are signs that you need a new clutch.
The Clutch Feels Weird
One of the first things you might notice is that the clutch pedal feels weird underneath your foot. This can be an indication that the internal mechanisms are wearing out and need to be replaced. When this happens, the clutch will feel soft and spongy. It may sink to the floor too easily and sink past the catch point. Head straight to our auto service shop in Roseville if this is happening.
The Catch Point Has Changed
Another difference in how the clutch feels is the catch point itself. If your clutch is going bad and needs to be replaced, the catch point will change and get higher. The catch point is the place in the clutch depression where you shift the gears. This point can adjust by itself if the clutch is wearing down. Regular adjustments help to prevent this problem from happening.
The Clutch Is Too Hot
If the clutch is going bad and needs to be replaced, it will start to slip. This means that the clutch engages initially when you press down on the pedal only to disengage prematurely. When this happens, the clutch will also start to overheat, and you will smell the burning odors coming from the clutch.
I Can’t Shift the Gears
Naturally, if the clutch is disengaging before you have shifted the gears, you will have problems shifting the gears. When the clutch disengages, it takes the power that was transferred to the transmission for the gear shift and puts it back to the engine. Unfortunately, your gears will grind and the gear shift will give you resistance when you try to move it.
The Acceleration Lags
One final sign that the clutch is slipping is lagging acceleration. Again, you need the power away from the engine and with the transmission in order to be able to shift the gears and for the transmission to turn the drivetrain. The acceleration will lag if the power has moved back to the engine.
Call John’s Auto Care in Roseville, CA, today to set up a service visit if you are having problems with your vehicle’s clutch.
