What Are the Causes of Abnormal Noise When Pressing the Clutch in a Car?
4 Answers
Car pressing the clutch has abnormal noise reasons are: 1. Loose release bearing; 2. Lack of lubricant; 3. Worn clutch disc; 4. Broken clutch pressure plate spring. The solutions for abnormal noise when pressing the clutch in a car are: 1. Replace the clutch disc; 2. Replace the clutch pressure plate spring; 3. Adjust the release bearing; 4. Add lubricant. The working principle of the clutch is: 1. When the vehicle starts, the driver presses the clutch, the pressure plate separates from the friction disc, and at this time the pressure plate does not contact the flywheel at all; 2. When the vehicle is driving normally, the pressure plate is tightly pressed against the flywheel's friction disc, at this time the friction between the pressure plate and the friction disc is greater, maintaining relative static friction between the input shaft and the output shaft, and the speeds of the two are the same.
I'm quite familiar with the issue of abnormal noises when depressing the clutch. There are typically three common causes: The most likely culprit is the release bearing, which sits in front of the transmission - when it fails to rotate properly during clutch engagement, it produces a squeaking sound. My car had this exact issue last time, and the mechanic diagnosed it as insufficient lubrication and wear on the bearing. Another possibility is deformed spring plates in the clutch pressure plate, a common metal fatigue problem in older vehicles. Lastly, the clutch disc itself may produce scraping noises when worn to its limit. If you hear metallic grinding sounds, be warned - a repair shop can pinpoint it quickly using a stethoscope. The key is not to keep driving stubbornly. If the bearing seizes completely, you'll have to dismantle the entire transmission, which is both costly and labor-intensive. Early diagnosis usually means replacing just a small component.
My old car had the same issue - a loud clunking noise from the chassis when depressing the clutch pedal, which really startled me. My mechanic friend taught me how to diagnose it: press the clutch while stationary and listen carefully, testing both with the engine off and on. If the noise only appears after starting the engine, it's likely a failed release bearing. If it makes noise even with the engine off, the clutch fork might need lubrication. After inspection, he confirmed it was wear on the fork pivot pin, which was solved by applying high-temperature grease. However, if you hear sharp squealing sounds, it's probably the clutch disc rivets protruding and scraping against the pressure plate. Don't delay fixing these problems - at best you'll need to replace the clutch kit (three components), at worst it could damage the transmission. For safety, whenever you hear abnormal noises, you should get the car lifted for inspection immediately.
Clutch noise is mostly related to the release mechanism. First, the release bearing may be aging, causing a rattling sound when pressed as it struggles to rotate. Second, wear and looseness in the clutch fork can result in a clunking noise when the pedal is depressed. Third, a broken diaphragm spring in the pressure plate produces a harsh metallic sound. You can perform initial checks yourself: feel if the pedal operates smoothly or if there's any sticking sensation when pressing the clutch. Also, note whether the noise occurs at the moment of pressing or persists throughout. Simple measures like spraying lubricant on the pedal linkage might help temporarily, but a proper fix requires professional disassembly and inspection at a repair shop. Avoid riding the clutch or prolonged semi-engagement during daily driving, as this significantly wears these components.
