5 Symptoms of a Bad Clutch in Your Vehicle
The clutch in a vehicle allows the engine to connect to the transmission, even when the engine is spinning and the transmission is not. It's made up of various parts, including the clutch disk, the friction plate, the pressure plate, and more. Though a clutch is designed to hold up for a long time, it can eventually wear down and start to go bad. At Archer Volkswagen, we want to help you learn the signs of a failing clutch before they get out of control.
Many of the problems listed below can also be found in cars with automatic transmissions, but some of them (like problems with the clutch pedal) don't apply. However, you should still keep an eye, ear, and nose out for trouble.
5. Getting Into Gear Is Difficult
If you're able to push your clutch pedal down, but actually shifting into a gear is difficult, it may be due to low hydraulic fluid levels. However, this isn't the only possible reason; it could also be due to a bad clutch linkage. This problem can happen when you try to shift into first, but it could also be a problem when you're trying to switch gears while driving.
4. Strange Clutch Noises
A grinding sound when you shift gears is never a good sign. It's not always due to problems with the clutch itself, and it may simply be because you didn't fully engage the clutch. However, a grinding sound could be due to a dragging clutch. This means that the clutch isn't fully releasing, which can cause damage to the system. There are other noises that you should be careful of, as well. If you press the clutch pedal and hear a squealing noise, the release bearing or pilot bearing may be to blame. Finding the source of a particular noise is tricky work, but any unusual noise deserves to be investigated.
3. The Clutch Pedal Feels Wrong
Sounds aren't the only thing you should be aware of. In addition to knowing what your Volkswagen should sound like, you'll know what the clutch pedal should feel like. If it begins to feel different, the clutch may be in trouble. A soft or "spongy" feel may indicate that the system has air in it, but there are other ways a clutch pedal could feel off, as well. You know better than anyone what yours should feel like, so it's best to bring it in for inspection if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
2. Revving & Acceleration Don't Match Up
If you step on the gas and notice that your engine is revving, but the acceleration doesn't match, your clutch may be slipping. This is often due to a worn-out clutch disc, which means that it won't connect to the flywheel and pressure plate nearly as well. The result is that power from the engine won't be transferred to the transmission (and then the wheels) as effectively, so your engine will work hard for little output.
1. Burning Smell
If your clutch is slipping enough, it may not simply stop at slow acceleration and high RPMs. The improper connection between the disc and the flywheel could cause a burning smell. This is a sign that your clutch needs immediate replacement. If you've let your clutch get to the point where you smell a strong burning scent, other parts of your vehicle may need to be repaired or replaced, as well.
