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A Broken Clutch Can Make Driving Your Vehicle Impossible

Those who drive manual transmissions rely on the clutch more than they realize. Without the clutch, your vehicle will not go. Cergizan’s Auto & Truck Repair recommends having your clutch inspected every 6,000 miles. This allows us to adjust the clutch if it needs it to extend its life. The signs listed below indicate that you have a broken clutch that needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Acceleration Hesitation

When you press down on the clutch, you take the power away from the engine and transfer it to the transmission which, in turn, transfers it to the drivetrain. The drivetrain is what turns your wheels. If your clutch is going bad and it is slipping, your vehicle will hesitate before it accelerates after you release the clutch. This is because the power is not being transferred as it needs to be.

Bite Point Changes

The bite or catch point on the clutch should not change. If it gets higher than it has been, this is a sign that your clutch needs to be adjusted. If the internal mechanisms are damaged, the clutch will need to be replaced as an adjustment will not resolve the issue. The goal is to get the bite point back to normal.

Burning Odors

Signs that the internal mechanisms of your clutch are wearing down include burning odors when you use the clutch. You may also hear the clutch squeak or squeal as you depress and release it. This is not a good sign. This indicates that the clutch is slipping rather than staying engaged while you shift gears.

Gear Trouble

Gear trouble can also directly point to a problem with the clutch. For example, you may find it difficult to get your vehicle into gear or to shift through the gear cycle. Once in gear, the transmission may slip out of gear. Any of these things indicate that you have a problem with your clutch that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Grinding Noises

If the clutch is not engaging and disengaging properly, the power transfer discussed above will not go smoothly and, as a consequence, you will hear grinding noises as you shift gears. This can damage the transmission, so it’s important to have the clutch inspected as soon as possible.

Sponginess Under Your Foot

Finally, how your clutch feels under your foot should never change. It should never feel spongy or soft. If it does, it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Cergizan’s Auto & Truck Repair in Chesterton, IN, has your manual transmission needs covered including the clutch. Schedule an appointment with us today if you are experiencing any of the above-listed signs.

Photo by Mihajlo Maricic from Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
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