What happens when the clutch disc has problems?
3 Answers
When the clutch disc has problems, the following four situations may occur: 1. Clutch shudder: When starting the vehicle, even if you carefully and slowly accelerate and release the clutch pedal, the vehicle still cannot start smoothly and may jerk. This is because the clutch engagement is shaky and unstable, causing an unsteady start. 2. Clutch slippage: 1) When starting the car, the clutch pedal must be lifted very high before the car can start, and it may only start with difficulty when the pedal is fully released. 2) During acceleration, the vehicle speed does not increase with the engine speed, making the car feel underpowered, especially noticeable when going uphill. In severe cases, a burning smell, smoke, or even damage to the friction disc may occur. 3. Clutch noise: When the engine is idling, pressing the clutch pedal may produce abnormal noises, which disappear when the pedal is released. Sometimes, abnormal noises occur whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged. 4. Incomplete clutch disengagement: With the engine idling, pressing the clutch pedal and attempting to shift gears in place may result in gear grinding noises and difficulty engaging gears. In severe cases, this can cause the engine to stall.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of manual transmission experience, I know all too well the signs of clutch plate issues. If you notice the RPM soaring when you press the accelerator but the car speed doesn't increase accordingly, like skidding on ice, you should be alert. When starting off, if the car shakes like a sieve and there's a clunking noise during gear shifts, these are clear signals of clutch plate wear. Once during a long trip, I suddenly smelled burning odor in the car. After stopping to check, I found the clutch plate had turned blue from overheating. Repairing this is particularly troublesome - not only do you have to dismantle the transmission, but it's also easy to damage the pressure plate and flywheel. Remember not to keep the clutch in semi-engaged state for more than 10 seconds during normal driving, use neutral gear more often in traffic jams, and get it checked immediately if anything seems off, to avoid being stranded halfway.
A common issue during car repairs is clutch slippage. The owner complains that pressing the accelerator doesn't provide enough power, and upon checking the dashboard, the engine RPM and vehicle speed don't match at all. When the clutch doesn't fully disengage, shifting gears becomes particularly rough, accompanied by distressing grinding noises from the gears. If you smell burning or notice the entire car shaking during takeoff, it's almost certain that the clutch three-piece set needs replacement. Once worn, metal debris falling into the oil pan can cause serious trouble, potentially leading to a major transmission overhaul. For prevention, I recommend avoiding half-pressing the clutch while waiting at red lights, refraining from flashy actions like launch starts, and regularly checking the clutch pedal travel.
