When easy shifting turns to grinding gears, it’s time to take a look at your car’s clutch. This system is essential to keep your vehicle moving. The clutch is responsible for facilitating each gear shift, which determines how much torque is sent to the drive wheels to propel your vehicle. When there’s an issue in this process, you’ll notice a change in your car’s performance — and it’s time to head to a trusted mechanic for a clutch repair.
Does Your Vehicle Have a Clutch?
All vehicles have components that facilitate gear changes, not all vehicles have a clutch specifically. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, the clutch sits between the engine and transmission and sends torque to the drive wheels. Each time you press the clutch pedal, it allows a gear shift to happen in the clutch before the transmission re-engages with the engine, allowing a transfer of power.
In Automatic Transmission Vehicles, Look Out for Torque Converter Problems
While automatic transmission vehicles don’t have the same mechanical clutch, they do have a torque converter, which serves the same purpose. This component works together with sensors that monitor the speed and RPM of your vehicle to determine when gear shifts need to take place. Problems with the torque converter can be similar to a worn-out clutch.
Common Signs of a Faulty or Worn-Out Clutch
How can you tell you may have a worn-out clutch? The signs of clutch trouble can vary, though they almost always show up during gear changes, in how your clutch pedal feels, and in acceleration power. Other changes in your car’s performance may come alongside those symptoms, including new smells or sounds.
Difficulty Shifting Gears
One of the earliest signs your car’s clutch may be wearing out is difficulty shifting gears. Often, this starts with lower gears or when shifting in and out of Reverse. However, it will gradually get worse and spread to more gears without proper repairs and servicing. As soon as you notice a change in how your car shifts gears, it’s important to have a mechanic inspect the clutch for any worn components.
Grinding When Shifting Gears
You’re used to the smooth, silent changing of gears, then one day notice there’s a grinding sound each time you shift. This sound may come alongside some difficulty shifting gears and is a sure sign that you’re due for a clutch repair. More specifically, there are likely worn or damaged gear parts that can make it more difficult for gears to engage and stay engaged.
Squeaking or Grumbling when Pressing the Clutch Pedal
When you press the clutch pedal to shift gears, there shouldn’t be any strange sounds. If you start to notice squeaking or grumbling when pressing the clutch pedal, it may be time to have your car’s clutch inspected. These sounds can indicate worn components associated with engaging and disengaging the clutch.
Spongy, Sticky, or Loose Clutch Pedal
A properly functioning clutch pedal should feel firm but easy to press. If instead it feels loose or spongy or stays stuck down after being pressed, it’s time to head to a mechanic. There may be problems with the linkage or release bearing that helps your car’s clutch pedal function properly and engage and disengage the clutch.
Poor Acceleration Power & Higher RPMs
You shift into gear and expect steady acceleration power — instead, your vehicle feels sluggish, there’s sudden brief hesitation, or you notice higher-than-usual RPMs from the engine. This may indicate a slipping clutch, meaning your car is coming out of gear while you drive. It’s likely there are worn clutch components that need to be replaced.
Burning Smell While Driving
What’s that burning smell? If it doesn’t seem to be associated with another part of your vehicle, such as the brakes, it can indicate a worn-out clutch. Any system in your vehicle that has moving parts working together can run into issues that create additional friction — and therefore extra heat. This can lead to a burning smell and increased damage to related parts. As soon as you notice a burning smell from your vehicle, it’s essential to have a mechanic inspect key systems.
Shift Smoothly Again with a Clutch Repair at Your Local AAMCO
Restore a smooth ride with a visit to your local AAMCO Louisville mechanic. Our expert mechanics will inspect each essential system in your vehicle, diagnose necessary repairs, and handle any services your car needs to run its best again. Schedule your appointment with us today!