What is Clutch Sticking?
2 Answers
Clutch sticking may occur when water enters the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate or clutch disc after the vehicle has driven through water, causing rust to form between them. Below is a detailed explanation: Clutch: The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is bolted to the rear plane of the flywheel, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. Definition: The clutch, commonly known as "gei lik zi" in Hong Kong (derived from the English word "Clutch"), is often referred to as "li zai" or by the Japanese term "kuratchi" in Taiwanese. It is a device that switches the engine power of a car or other power machinery on and off to the axle.
I've seen plenty of cases of clutch sticking - it's essentially when the clutch disc adheres to the flywheel and fails to separate when depressing the pedal, causing gear shifting issues or violent jerking during startup. There are several common causes: oil contamination leaking from the transmission or seals onto the clutch surfaces making them sticky; rust formation when vehicles sit too long especially in humid conditions where moisture causes components to fuse; or excessive wear from aggressive driving that leaves friction surfaces uneven. For treatment, I recommend first attempting gentle driving with light throttle and brake applications to see if it loosens. If not, disassembly for cleaning or part replacement is necessary. Prevention is key - regularly maintain clutch fluid levels, avoid parking for over a month, and don't ride the clutch excessively. Develop proper driving habits. Early detection saves major trouble, as neglect could damage the transmission and pose significant safety risks.
