10 Clutch malfunctions and the reasons that lead to them
The clutch (clutch/clutch) is an essential part in cars that have a manual transmission (regular gear), especially in old cars, as it acts as a link or separation between the engine and the wheels; So that the driver can change the gear position without turning off the engine, and its working principle depends on three main parts that carry out this process; The first is the clutch plate, the pressure plate, and the flywheel connected to the engine. They remain connected to each other thanks to the internal clutch springs when the clutch pedal is not pressed, which will allow the movement of the engine to be transferred to the wheels continuously, and they separate from each other to rotate the compressor plate and the wheel At different speeds, which allows changing gears without stopping the engine, so its malfunctions lead to the car’s inability to work and stop suddenly, and in this article, we will discuss the problems of the clutch and how to deal with it.
Clutch malfunctions and their causes
The clutch malfunctions due to problems affecting its various parts. These problems and their causes vary as follows:
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| 10 Clutch malfunctions and the reasons that lead to them |
1. Clutch slipping
This problem appears in the form of engine acceleration and deceleration of the car’s movement after pressing the gas pedal after leaving the clutch pedal. This problem appears when the materials responsible for creating the necessary friction between the clutch plates to move the movement properly and allow the gears to be changed, the cause of this problem is due to the following things:
- There are problems with the clutch pedal joints, or the presence of rust around them, or they are bent and damaged, or loose or tightened too much.
- Deformation or weakness of the compressor plate.
- Car oil leaks into the clutch box.
- The presence of fractures in the engine mounting plates.
- Lubricant oil leaks from the different clutch discs, which will negatively affect the formation of the appropriate pressure.
- The presence of air in the fluid transmission system of the hydraulic system wrench.
2. A squeaking sound when pressing the clutch pedal and leaving it
This sound is produced by the clutch when it is pressed when the engine is off, indicating that there is a problem with the release mechanism system of the clutch that depends on the release fork. Wires connecting or moving the switch.
3. The car vibrates when pressing the clutch
The pedal vibration refers to the incorrect and intermittent friction of the clutch plate with the flywheel. The cause of this problem is due to the following issues:
- The lining between the clutch plate and the flywheel is worn out, burned, or contaminated with oils.
- Warp of the compressor plate or flywheel.
- A significant increase in temperature in some parts of the compressor dish.
- The pilot bearing on the clutch is worn or damaged.
4. Clutch pulse
Impulsive movements appear in the clutch due to flywheel warping or a problem with the release lever and its need to adjust its position. These sudden, pulsating movements may appear after adjusting gears, which will indicate a problem in the gear shift system, and the engine is not matched correctly.
5. The pedal remains attached to the floor of the vehicle
The lack of height of the pedal after leaving it to its normal high position indicates a problem with the wire springs connecting the pedal to the internal clutch parts, or in the release bearings, so you should make sure that they are not tightened too much.
6. Loosen the clutch pedal
This problem is due to a problem with the pedal release bearings or the release fork on the clutch plate, or the presence of damage to the Diaphragm spring found in mechanical clutch types. As for the hydraulic clutch, the appearance of the problem in it may be due to one of the following things:
- The presence of air in the system.
- Lack of fluid needed by hydraulic clutch parts in the designated tank.
- Leaking clutch hoses and connecting wires for fluids.
- A problem with the valve seal on the master cylinder or leaking fluid.
7. Difficulty pressing the clutch pedal
This problem lies in the mechanism of releasing the pedal. In the mechanical clutch, the problem lies in the different parts responsible for connecting the pedal to the inner part. As for the hydraulic clutch, the problem lies in clogging or worn-out valve plugs in the clutch.
8. The sound of spinning and grinding with whistling from the clutch
This sound appears from the clutch when the gearshift is in neutral and paused (N), and the sound disappears when the pedal is not pressed and left.
9. A squeaking sound from the clutch when switching gears
This sound is caused by the clutch remaining in the active position, causing the transmission shaft to continue to rotate even when the clutch pedal is left and not pressed. This sound may indicate problems with the compressor plate or with the various release mechanism in mechanical or hydraulic systems.
10. Inability to shift gears smoothly
Clutch malfunctions lead to the driver’s inability to change gears correctly, especially in reverse gear or third gear. The reason for this problem is the need for the clutch connections to be adjusted or the clutch plate deformed, and this problem may be accompanied by a loose clutch pedal and other problems.
Tips to keep the clutch safe
It is recommended to follow the following things to extend the life of the clutch as much as possible and avoid malfunctions:
- Avoid driving on potted roads daily.
- Avoid driving in crowded places where the driver needs to press the clutch frequently.
- Avoid pressing the pedal unnecessarily, even if only slightly.
- Press the clutch pedal to get as close to the floor as possible when you need it.
- Avoid pressing the pedal for an extended period at intersections.
