If your clutch is overheating, it is likely slipping. A slipping clutch will not stay engaged to allow the power transfer between the engine and the transmission. A slipping clutch is a clutch that needs to be adjusted or replaced if it cannot be rebuilt. Crossroads Automotive would be happy to inspect your vehicle’s clutch to determine whether we can repair it or whether we need to replace it. Aside from the clutch overheating, here are other signs that your clutch is going bad.
Acceleration Loss
As we briefly mentioned above, there is a power transfer that occurs from the engine to the transmission when you depress the clutch. If this power transfer does not occur because the clutch is worn and not engaging properly, you will not be able to get your vehicle to accelerate. This acceleration loss can also occur as you shift through the gear cycle at higher speeds. Unfortunately, you will continue to have problems with lagging acceleration until you get the clutch repaired or replaced.
Grinding Gears
Another sign that your clutch is not staying engaged is grinding gears. Everyone grinds gears when they first learned to drive a manual transmission. Once you get the hang of it, however, you shouldn’t have any problems with your gears grinding when you shift them. If you do, it’s possible that your clutch is slipping. You may also find it difficult to shift through the gear cycle or get your vehicle into gear.
Spongy Clutch Pedal
The resistance your clutch gives your foot shouldn’t change. If it does, this is a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. For example, the clutch may feel soft or spongy underneath your foot. The resistance may feel the same, but the clutch might sink all the way to the floor without engaging. Finally, the bite point can also change on a dying clutch. Usually, it gets higher than normal. Any of these things point to a problem with the clutch that needs to be addressed right away.
Squeaking Noises
Finally, the clutch is self will make squeaking noises if it is going bad. You will hear these noises when you press down on and release the clutch. Sometimes, we can make adjustments that will stop the squeaking. Other times, depending on the damage inside of the clutch, we may need to replace the clutch. If you drive a high mileage vehicle, it’s possible it needs a new clutch.
Crossroads Automotive in Topeka, KS, would be happy to inspect your clutch and give you a detailed breakdown of its condition. Call us today to schedule an appointment.