If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s clutch is not giving your foot any resistance and sinking to the floor, University Auto Repair advises that this is a sign that the clutch needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of a clutch varies between 50,000 miles and 100,000 miles. Aside from the clutch sinking to the floor with no resistance, here are other signs that your clutch is going bad.
Higher Catch or Bite Point
You may also notice that the catch point of the clutch is higher than normal. Also called the bite point, this position in the clutch will change if the clutch is wearing down and needs to be replaced. This is the point at which the clutch transfers the power to the transmission so you can shift gears.
Burning Odors From the Clutch
Burning odors coming from the clutch are an indication that the clutch engages initially and then disengages. This means that the clutch is slipping. A slipping clutch will overheat and cause problems for you when you try to shift gears. Let’s talk about this next.
Problems Shifting the Gears
If the clutch slips, the power will not be transferred to the transmission. Rather it will stay with the engine and you will have problems trying to shift through the gear cycle. In severe cases, you may not be able to get your vehicle to go into gear at all. Anything strange when you are shifting the gears is a sign that the clutch is going out and needs to be replaced.
Hesitation When Accelerating
This includes hesitation when you accelerate after shifting the gears. This is a sign that the transmission does not have the power it needs to turn the drivetrain. When this happens, your vehicle will hesitate because the wheels aren’t turning.
Grinding or Other Strange Noises
Finally, you may hear grinding or other strange noises when you shift the gears. If you do, bring your vehicle to our shop right away for a clutch inspection. Grinding gears suggest that the clutch is slipping. The clutch pedal may also squeak when you press down on it and when you release it. It should not make any sound at all.
University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, can inspect your clutch to see if it needs to be adjusted, rebuilt, or replaced. Call our shop today to schedule a convenient service appointment for your automobile.
