What Causes the Jerking Sensation When Pressing the Clutch Pedal?
2 Answers
Most of the time, it is due to the transmission not responding quickly enough. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Principle: The upshift speed cannot keep up with the acceleration pedal press, so the jerking sensation occurs at the moment of gear shift. This is mostly caused by the intervention of the energy recovery system when the driver releases the accelerator pedal or presses it. 2. Advantages of the jerking sensation: During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power input from the engine to the transmission. The clutch is a common component in mechanical transmission, allowing the drivetrain to be separated or engaged at any time.
I used to experience jerky sensations when pressing the clutch pedal in my old car. At first, I thought it was due to my driving habits, but later I realized it's usually caused by uneven wear on the clutch disc surface or a damaged release bearing failing to engage properly. If the car has been driven for a long time, the flywheel might also warp, causing noticeable hesitation during gear shifts. I must warn everyone not to delay addressing this issue, especially when driving on mountain roads where the jerking intensifies, making the vehicle shake and become unstable. Losing control during hill starts could be dangerous. It's advisable to first check the clutch fluid level for leaks and top it up if low. If that doesn't help, seek a professional mechanic immediately—don't wait until the last minute like I did, ending up with costly repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues; don't just focus on the accelerator, give the clutch some attention too.