A clutch acts as the mainstay of your vehicle. Without it, your engine will not be able to transfer all of its energy to wheels and without power reaching your wheels going to sit on the side of the road, making a lot of noise.
It is possible to get similar results from a momentum-lacking clutch gets worn out. When it happens, you’ll be wondering why the garage offered you a price that’s eye-watering. Like when we discussed about head gasket issues The reason is quite simple that changing your clutch is a huge task.
Before we go on to that however, let’s take a look at how a clutch functions.
How does a clutch function
The clutch draws the power of your engine and delivers it to the gearbox, which then sends the power to wheels. It’s an extremely stressful task and especially so when you think that even when you are idle your engine, and the flywheel, which is what that the clutch grabs onto the flywheel – is at a speed of 1,000 rpm.
However you get your foot off of the clutch pedal. As you move the clutch plate is going to roll into its sleeves and grasp the flywheel spinning. And it does it at any speed, while you drive around in a frenzied manner.
The clutch is susceptible to many wear and tear. This can be made worse due to your driving style. If your foot is not on the clutch pedal or when you’re pushing the pedal all the way down it is when the clutch is best. It’s either clamped between the engine and gearbox, or it’s spinning free depending on.
Keep the pedal on half-way however, and you’re grinding away. This is what they mean when they refer to riding the clutch. It can be the same when you use the clutch in a slow manner.
We’re sure that you will not take that route, however. You’re more likely to be suffering from general failure, which , given it’s an element that wears and tear it is inevitable. What are the indicators that your clutch is failing?
If a clutch is in need of replacement,
Are you wondering if your clutch could produce a burning odor? If you drive a vehicle with high-mileage with the original clutch up an extremely steep, long hill at a high speed and you’ll probably be able to smell a horrible burnt, earthy smell that can make a skunk blush after a short time. If there’s even a tiny bit of slip happening then you’ll smell it.
New clutches aren’t likely to emit bad smells, however they may be slipping. Why do clutches slip? It’s because the clutch plate has become so worn out that it cannot grip the flywheel, and it slips, and then attempts to force power into the gearbox.
You’ll know when your clutch is not working properly since it doesn’t seem to be driving or, if it does however, very slowly and at a rate of around 5500rpm.
Can the clutch be altered?
Modern automobiles typically use the slave cylinder as well as an hydraulic clutch. These self-adjusting devices are used as the clutch wears out, and there’s nothing to be done when it begins to fall apart without changing the way it operates.
Older models come with the lever for clutch and cable. This permits adjustments on a regular basis. Actually, it requires it to prevent slippage. This is the reason why this technology has been replaced with auto-adjusting clutches.
Flywheel and clutch replacement costs
What happens to the repair? What is the reason why a new clutch cost that expensive? It’s mostly due to the location of the clutch in the bellhousing, which is the space between the gearbox and engine. To replace the clutch, you’ll need to disengage the two which is a huge task.
It could require the engine to be lifted or lowered, according to the vehicle, so that enough space is created to break the gearbox and engine. This is a lengthy process.
If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you’ll be happy to know that your mechanic will have an easier task. It’s still a lot of time, however because the engine and gearbox operate along the length of the road, it’s simple to lift cars up unbolting the propshaft and bolting the gearbox, pulling out the clutch that was in place and fitting the new one and fixing it back. Simple. Still a great day’s work however, it’s easy.
If you have a car with front-wheel drive, then the odds are (unless you have the old Audi A4) the engine is transverse. This means that it runs across the vehicle instead of across it.
This means that everything has to be squeezed into a smaller space and is more difficult to tackle. It could take twice the amount of time needed for an adjustment of the clutch on an automobile with rear wheel drive.
If you do experience a clutch failure do not get upset believing that your garage’s trying to cover your eyes. It’s a large, labor-intensive task.
Be thankful that the garage can do the job for you. And should you require convincing, take an inspection of your car and consider how you can take the clutch off your own!
© Jenson Racing Archives
- January 19, 2025 5:42 pm