What problems can occur if the clutch is too high?
3 Answers
Problems that can occur if the clutch is too high include: 1. Clutch slippage; 2. Incomplete disengagement, shaking, and abnormal noises. The functions of the clutch are: 1. To gradually increase the driving force of the vehicle, allowing for a smooth start; 2. To temporarily separate the engine and transmission for gear shifting; 3. To prevent overload of the transmission system; 4. To reduce torsional vibration impacts from the engine and extend the lifespan of transmission gears. The working principle of the clutch is: 1. When the inner ring is fixed, the outer ring can rotate freely in the clockwise direction as the wedges do not lock; 2. When the outer ring rotates counterclockwise, the wedges lock, preventing the outer ring from rotating.
Being a novice driver with a manual transmission car is really not easy. I feel the clutch pedal is too high, making gear shifting particularly strenuous, as if it's stuck. The car also always shudders when starting, jumping up and down, which is quite frustrating. That time at the traffic light, the clutch didn't disengage completely, and the car stalled twice, with the cars behind honking like crazy—so embarrassing. The mechanic said excessive free play in the pedal can accelerate wear on the friction disc and pressure plate. If not addressed, new parts might be needed within a year or two, costing over a thousand extra. He suggested checking the pedal position during every maintenance service and adjusting it promptly if it exceeds the standard height, ensuring smoother and safer driving. Personally, I think learning basic maintenance knowledge is quite useful—don’t just drive blindly like I did at the beginning.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've seen plenty of issues with excessively high clutch pedal positions. When the pedal is adjusted too high, the clutch fails to disengage completely, making gear shifts feel like twisting a stone, accompanied by grating noises. More troubling is the slipping phenomenon - the engine revs wildly but the vehicle speed won't increase, which becomes particularly dangerous during hill climbs. Prolonged operation in this condition leads to accumulated wear, causing premature clutch disc failure. Not only are repairs expensive, but there's also potential for loss of control in emergencies. My experience suggests checking the pedal free play every six months, maintaining it within reasonable limits, and promptly replacing cables or adjusting hydraulic systems. This ensures smooth driving, better fuel efficiency, and extends service life by several years. Safe driving shouldn't rely on luck - address minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
