What are the methods to determine if the clutch plate needs replacement?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if the clutch plate needs replacement are: 1. Engage the car in 1st gear, press the brake or pull the handbrake, and when releasing the clutch to start, if the car does not stall suddenly, the clutch plate needs replacement; 2. When the clutch pedal inside the car becomes higher, the clutch plate needs replacement; 3. If the clutch plate is excessively worn, the car lacks power when climbing slopes. Severe effects of clutch plate wear: 1. The car slips and lacks power; 2. Difficulty starting the car or igniting the engine; 3. Poor climbing performance and increased fuel consumption. Functions of the clutch plate: 1. Facilitates smooth car starting; 2. Prevents damage to the transmission system due to excessive pressure; 3. Reduces torsional vibration impact.
After years of driving, I've seen all kinds of issues, and I have experience judging when to replace clutch plates. The most obvious sign is when the engine revs climb rapidly during acceleration, but the vehicle speed doesn't keep up—this is definitely a slipping signal. Also, listen to the clutch engagement point; if you hear squeaking or gritty metal friction sounds, it means the friction material has worn down to bare metal. Here's another trick: when starting on a slope, the car should move when the clutch pedal is halfway released. If it doesn't move even after fully releasing, the clutch plate's lifespan is basically over. Gear engagement feel is also telling—new clutches produce a crisp 'click' when shifting, while worn ones make shifting feel rough or even cause grinding. Finally, pay attention to smells. If you catch a burning odor after aggressive driving, it's definitely the clutch plates overheating and scorching. Older cars are especially prone to this, particularly when drivers frequently ride the clutch.
