Front vs Rear 4WD Lockers
Manual cars are more interactive, give better feedback and allow the driver to feel more involved with operating the vehicle.
Your clutch is one of the most hard-working parts of your car. How do you tell if there is a problem, and how bad can problems be? What do we do when something goes wrong with our daily drive?
Why is the Clutch Important?
A clutch allows you to connect and disconnect the power of your engine to the work of rotating the wheels. Whenever you want to shift gear, you need a way of allowing the transmission and the engine to separate so they don’t get damaged when they spin at different speeds.
Your clutch is a combination of a big wheel rimmed with brake-like friction material, and two sets of springs. The big wheel, or clutch disk, is constantly pushed by the first spring onto the engine’s spinning surface. This pressure is what allows power to transfer from the engine to propelling your car around town.
The second spring is activated when you press your clutch pedal. It causes the clutch disk to move apart from the engine, disconnecting the power.
Some other important parts are the slave/master cylinder, which aid you in compressing the clutch pedal, and the flywheel, the surface spun by the engine that your clutch disk grips to.
Common Issues
With so many high-stress components used every time you drive, there are a variety of issues that can arise. Some of the more common problems include:
- Malfunctioning hydraulic system. Most contemporary manual cars use a hydraulic system under the clutch pedal to make your footwork easier and lighter. But these systems rely on no leaks, adequate fluids, and no air bubbles. Cracks or leaks can make your clutch feel heavy or stiff.
- Clutch cable problems. Some clutches rely on a cable to connect the clutch pedal to the springs. Cables need adjustment as they stretch over a vehicle’s lifetime, they have been known to break in extreme circumstances.
- Slipping clutch. Caused by issues including worn springs or friction material on the clutch disk. Slipping is when the clutch no longer remains in perfect contact with the flywheel when in use. This loses engine power and dramatically accelerated deterioration of clutch components. Get this checked today if you notice it.
Do I Need to Get My Clutch Repaired?
Without a clutch, your car isn’t taking you anywhere. Never put off an issue in your clutch, sometimes ignoring small, quick fixes like worn bearings or stretched clutch cables can accelerate into thousands of dollars of damage. The day you notice an issue should be the day you call us.
Fortunately, clutches are built to last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Unlike many parts, you will likely never have to replace your clutch. But if something does seem amiss, don’t hesitate to have it repaired.
Have concerns about your transmission and want the best clutch repair team in Perth to have a look? Call Coastals today, and get the peace of mind that your car will be running about town for a long time to come.