What Causes the Clutch to Squeak When Pressed?
2 Answers
The reasons for the clutch squeaking when pressed include: 1. Severe wear or lack of lubrication in the release bearing, or the bearing return spring being too soft, broken, or detached; 2. Loose rivets on the driven plate, fractured steel plates, or broken damping springs; 3. Broken clutch pressure plate springs or loose release bearings; 4. Broken or excessively worn clutch release levers, or broken adjustment bolts for the release levers. Methods for diagnosing clutch noise: 1. Slightly depress the clutch pedal to make the release lever contact the release bearing. If a rustling sound is heard, it indicates noise from the release bearing. If the noise persists after lubrication, the bearing is excessively worn and should be replaced; 2. If the noise occurs when the pedal is fully depressed and disappears when released, it suggests loose or broken clutch damping springs; 3. If the noise occurs when the clutch is just engaging or disengaging while repeatedly pressing the pedal, it indicates loose rivets or excessive spline wear.
When driving, I noticed a squeaking noise when pressing the clutch. The mechanic told me that the most common cause is wear on the release bearing, especially in older cars where the bearing can develop issues over time, producing that harsh sound. Additionally, rust or lack of lubrication in the pedal or linkage can also cause friction noises. I’ve tried spraying some WD-40 lubricant myself, which sometimes helps reduce the noise. However, if the sound gets louder or occurs every time you press the clutch, it’s a warning sign—don’t delay fixing it, or the clutch disc could wear out completely and fail. I recommend paying attention to your car’s condition regularly and having the clutch system checked during routine maintenance. Safe driving shouldn’t be taken lightly—fixing issues early saves time and effort.
