What Causes the Clutch to Suddenly Become Stiff?

[LeDiana]

The reasons for a suddenly stiff clutch include wear and aging of the cable or hydraulic fluid deterioration. Details are as follows: Clutch Cable Wear and Aging: For cable-operated clutches, the usual cause of stiffness or inability to depress is due to wear and aging of the clutch cable, leading to jamming. This requires replacement at a professional repair shop, as it is difficult to do at home. Hydraulic Fluid Deterioration: For hydraulic clutches, common causes of stiffness are aging hydraulic fluid, or rust and wear in the clutch master or slave cylinders. Another frequent issue is insufficient hydraulic fluid, preventing the clutch from resetting, which also makes it hard to depress. Obstruction at the Pedal: Vehicles with electronic clutches are rare in the market, making clutch jamming uncommon. The primary cause here is an obstruction at the clutch pedal, which can be resolved by removing the obstruction. Regardless of the clutch type, if the clutch release bearing seizes due to rust, it can cause jamming. It is recommended to seek repair at a professional 4S shop.