What are the symptoms and causes of clutch failure?
2 Answers
Clutch failure manifests as when the clutch is engaged smoothly under normal operation, the vehicle does not gradually and smoothly increase speed but starts intermittently, even causing the car to shake until the clutch is fully engaged. The following are the causes: 1. Uneven pressure distribution between the driving and driven discs: Uneven spring tension in the engaging clutch, inconsistent adjustment of the release levers, or uneven ends of the diaphragm spring fingers can lead to inconsistent engagement timing and uneven force on the pressure plate, even causing the pressure plate to tilt, resulting in poor contact between the driving and driven discs and causing clutch shudder. 2. Weakened spring tension: Twisting of the clutch, weakened damping spring tension, weakened clutch pressure spring tension, or cracks in the diaphragm spring can all cause shaking during clutch engagement. In such cases, the springs should be replaced.
The symptoms of clutch failure mainly include several common manifestations. When driving, clutch slipping can be felt as high engine RPM without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, indicating poor power transmission; difficulty shifting gears or even complete jamming may occur during gear changes; vibrations or abnormal buzzing noises can be felt when pressing the clutch pedal; and the vehicle may suddenly stall during starts or uphill climbs. In terms of causes, excessive wear of the clutch disc leads to insufficient friction, while a deformed pressure plate or aged springs reduce clamping force. A damaged release bearing affects the disengagement action, and insufficient fluid or air in the clutch hydraulic system can cause a stiff pedal or abnormal travel. From my experience in car repairs, I've seen many such issues, often due to prolonged lack of maintenance. It's recommended to inspect the clutch system every 80,000 kilometers to avoid sudden breakdowns on the road. Driving habits are also crucial—avoid prolonged half-clutch usage to minimize component wear. Though these details may seem minor, they significantly enhance vehicle safety.
