What are the symptoms of a bad clutch disc?
3 Answers
Here are the manifestations of a bad clutch disc: 1. The clutch engagement point becomes higher. When starting the vehicle, you need to depress the clutch pedal. Originally, releasing it by 1 cm would make the car move, but now you have to release it to 2 cm. This is caused by the thinning of the clutch disc; 2. The car's power feels reduced. When there's no abnormality in the engine, whether starting or climbing a slope, the car feels weak. Even with high engine RPM, there's insufficient power, indicating clutch slippage; 3. When depressing or releasing the clutch pedal, you hear a metal friction sound, which is the result of severe wear on the clutch disc; 4. When starting and releasing the clutch, you feel unevenness, with the car jerking forward and backward. There's a rough sensation when engaging or disengaging the clutch, indicating the need for clutch disc replacement. The car clutch disc is the medium that transmits engine power to the transmission. Similar to brake pads, the friction material of clutch discs is mainly asbestos-based, offering certain high-temperature resistance.
Last time I drove a manual transmission car, I had issues with the clutch. The most noticeable symptom was that when accelerating, the engine RPM surged wildly, but the car speed didn't increase—this is called clutch slippage. Shifting gears also became particularly difficult, feeling like the gear lever was fighting back, sticking and refusing to engage smoothly. Sometimes, there was even a burnt plastic smell because the friction disc overheated and deteriorated. The pedal also felt loose and spongy when pressed. If not repaired in time, the entire clutch system could be ruined, doubling the repair costs. I think new drivers should be especially careful; if they notice these signs, they should get it checked at a shop immediately and not delay.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience driving manual transmissions, I'm well aware of the warning signs when a clutch plate is failing. The pedal's free play increases, feeling either too soft or too stiff, accompanied by squeaking noises. There's noticeable slippage during acceleration—the engine roars but the car doesn't move, and fuel consumption spikes. Gear shifting becomes difficult, and hill starts become particularly hazardous. Ignoring these symptoms for too long can lead to burning out the pressure plate, resulting in costly repairs. Regularly measuring the pedal travel can prevent such troubles, saving both hassle and money.
