What Causes Stiffness and Abnormal Noise in the Clutch?
2 Answers
Clutch stiffness and abnormal noise can be caused by the following reasons: Broken Spring: If the clutch pressure plate spring is broken or the clutch pressure plate release lever is fractured, it can lead to abnormal noise and stiffness during operation. Loose Rivets: Broken clutch friction plate springs or loose rivets on the clutch friction plate can also cause this issue. Additionally, a broken release lever screw may be the culprit, and replacing the damaged parts can resolve the fault. Worn Pressure Plate: Early wear due to prolonged contact between the clutch release bearing and the clutch pressure plate can result in abnormal noise. Lack of Lubrication or Damage to Release Bearing: Insufficient lubrication or damage to the clutch release bearing can also cause abnormal noise in the clutch.
My previous car had the same issue—the clutch pedal felt stiff and noisy. When the mechanic opened it up, the release bearing was completely worn out and the grease had dried up. He said long periods of inactivity or aggressive clutch use can lead to insufficient lubrication in the bearing, causing squeaking. For hydraulic systems, aging fluid can also make the pedal feel stiff, requiring replacement. These parts wear out fast—I spent around two to three hundred on replacement parts that time. My advice: avoid riding the clutch and stick to regular maintenance checks to prevent major repairs. Bottom line: don’t wait until it seriously affects driving safety—get it handled by a professional shop ASAP.
