What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Depressing the Clutch?
3 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noise when depressing the clutch are: 1. Worn clutch disc; 2. Broken clutch pressure plate spring; 3. Loose release bearing; 4. Lack of lubricant. The solutions for abnormal noise when depressing the clutch are: 1. Replace the clutch disc; 2. Replace the clutch pressure plate spring; 3. Adjust the release bearing; 4. Replenish lubricant. The working principle of the clutch is: 1. When starting the vehicle, the driver depresses the clutch, causing the pressure plate to separate from the friction disc, at which point the pressure plate and flywheel are completely disengaged; 2. During normal driving, the pressure plate is tightly pressed against the flywheel's friction disc, creating significant friction between them, maintaining relative static friction between the input and output shafts, resulting in identical rotational speeds.
Last time when I pressed the clutch while driving, it suddenly made a creaking noise that sounded quite scary, like metal grinding. I figured there could be several reasons: the most common one is a faulty release bearing—that thing rotates when you press the clutch, and if it’s worn out or lacks lubrication, it tends to squeak; it could also be due to worn clutch plates, where uneven edges cause strange noises; or if the pedal linkage is rusted and lacks lubrication, it might keep making noise. At first, I didn’t take it seriously and delayed for two weeks, but then shifting gears became difficult, and the clutch almost got ruined, costing me thousands in repairs. I’d advise you to get it diagnosed at a professional shop as soon as possible. You can first try checking if the pedal linkage is rusted and apply some lubricant as a temporary fix, but don’t ignore it—long-term neglect can pose safety risks. One more reminder: regularly maintain the clutch system, like checking key components during oil changes, to extend your car’s lifespan.
I come from an auto repair background and have handled numerous cases of clutch noise. Nine times out of ten, the issue lies with the release bearing, as it spins at high speed when the clutch is engaged, and wear or insufficient lubrication can cause a rattling sound. It could also be due to a broken clutch pressure plate spring, leading to uneven force distribution and abnormal noise. These issues are more common in frequent city traffic jams or older vehicles. If not repaired promptly, the clutch disc will wear out faster. My advice is to carefully listen to the noise location after parking—if the noise occurs when pressing the clutch in neutral, the issue is likely on the transmission side. If shifting is normal but the noise persists, the pedal mechanism may be rusted. What you can do yourself is check the clutch fluid (for hydraulic models) and ensure the fluid level is adequate, as low fluid can affect the system. Find a reliable repair shop to disassemble and diagnose the specific cause. Don’t underestimate this issue—if the clutch fails during high-speed driving, it could be dangerous.
