If you drive an automobile equipped with a manual transmission, you know how important the clutch is. The lifespan of a factory clutch is hard to gauge because it varies depending on the part itself and how you drive your automobile. Generally, you can expect to get about 100,000 miles out of the clutch. Some last longer and others not as long. Mike’s Auto Service & Repair can replace your clutch when it needs it. Here are signs that the clutch is dying and needs to be replaced.
It’s Difficult to Shift the Gears
If it has become difficult to shift the gears or the transmission slips out of gear, it’s probably time to replace the clutch. You should be able to put your automobile into gear and shift through the gear cycle without any hesitation or problems. If you are having problems, bring your vehicle to our shop.
The Acceleration Hesitates
Speaking of hesitation, another sign that your clutch is going bad is if the vehicle’s acceleration hesitates when you release the clutch. This is an indication that the clutch is not able to move the power from the engine to the transmission like it should be doing. It’s probably time for a new clutch.
The Catch Point Is Higher
You will notice changes in your clutch pedal when the clutch goes bad. For example, the catch point, which is the point at which you shift gears, will get higher in a clutch that is going bad and needs to be replaced. If the clutch is in relatively good shape still, we may be able to adjust it.
The Clutch Feels Spongy
Another change in the clutch pedal is sponginess. This is definitely a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. The pedal will feel soft underneath your foot and may even sink to the floorboard without catching like it should. This can make changing the gears impossible.
The Clutch Is Too Hot
Heat is a bad sign, especially if it’s coming from the clutch. This is a symptom of a slipping clutch, which means that the clutch initially engages but does not stay engaged.
You Hear Grinding Sounds
You will know if the clutch failed to stay engaged if the gears grind when you shift them. This points to a problem of the power still being with the engine rather than transferred to the transmission.
Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, can inspect your clutch and let you know the best plan of action to repair it. It could be that we can rebuild it or we may need to replace it.
