How to Solve Clutch Sticking Issues?
2 Answers
When the clutch gets wet and rusts, causing sticking, it can make gear shifting difficult during driving, produce gear collision noises in the transmission, and may even prevent shifting altogether. In this situation, you can first drive the car to an open area. With the engine off, shift into first gear, then press the clutch and start the engine. The car will lurch forward. Use the strong torque difference during the lurching moment to break the rusted and stuck parts inside the clutch. Then, hold the clutch at the semi-engaged position and drive for a while to resolve the issue.
I encountered the issue of clutch sticking when I was younger. If a car sits idle for too long, it's prone to rust, mainly due to oil residue or rust between the clutch disc and flywheel. If you want to DIY, first disconnect the battery for safety, then open the engine hood to locate the clutch assembly. For mild symptoms, like resistance when pressing the clutch to shift gears, spray some specialized cleaner like WD-40 onto the clutch disc, wait a few minutes for it to dissolve the grime, then take a test drive to see if the clutch disengages smoothly. If the sticking is severe, you may need to disassemble and clean or replace the clutch disc, which isn't expensive—just a few dozen to a few hundred yuan. Daily prevention is simple: drive the car at least once a month to avoid moisture buildup and rust, and check the undercarriage frequently after rainy days. I remember this was common with older cars, and learning these little tricks saved me both hassle and money.