The job of a clutch is to transmit engine power from the gearbox to the transmission unit, which will then transfer that power to your road wheels.
The clutch engages when a car moves under power (clutch pedal depressed). The engine’s power is transferred to the flywheel, causing it to spin. The flywheel then spins the clutch plate. The clutch plate spins and causes the drive shaft, also known as the primary shaft of the gearbox shaft, to spin. This spins the transmission, which then spins the driveshaft.
The clutch pedal releases the clutch plate from the flywheel by pressing down. This effectively disconnects the engine from its gearbox. You can select the gears and bring the car to a halt without it lurching or stalling. The clutch is seamlessly switching between a spinning engine and a non-spinning transmission. The clutch effectively regulates the slippage between them.
Clutch parts
The clutch’s main components are the flywheel and the pressure plate. On cars equipped with hydraulic clutch systems, there are clutch slave cylinders and clutch master cylinders.
Clutch Wear
As you can see, the clutch flywheel (pressure plate), clutch disc (friction liner) and release bearing are all susceptible. The clutch disc, made of a similar friction material as a brake pad, is particularly susceptible to wear. This plate makes contact between the flywheel & the pressure plate. It does wear down over time. This is the reason you might have ever smelled a burned clutch. It is also a sign that it has been heated too much.
How long should a clutch last?
It all depends on how you drive. Clutches are typically designed to last for approximately 60,000 miles before being replaced. Some clutches may need to be replaced at 30,000, while others can last for over 100,000 miles. However, this is very rare.
Signs that your clutch may need to be replaced
You may need to replace your clutch with clutch repairs, Auckland, if you have any of these symptoms:
Slipping Clutch
You will need to increase your engine power to get the car moving. Your engine will rev, but your car doesn’t move as fast as normal. This is usually a sign of a lack of power. This happens when the clutch friction plate wears down. It causes the flywheel to spin against it but can also contact the flywheel.
Difficulty selecting gears
If you need to force the car into gear, it is likely caused by a worn clutch plate, worn clutch enslaved person, or master cylinder.
When you press the clutch pedal, there is a grumbling or squeaking sound
The difference in tone you hear when you press the clutch pedal can usually be heard as a rumble. A worn release bearing can cause this.
Clutch Judder
You can feel the car vibrating if you release the clutch pedal. This could indicate a damaged clutch or a problem with your pressure plate.
When you’re depressed, the Clutch Pedal stays down.
If the clutch pedal does not return to its initial position when you press it, this is an indication that something is wrong. This could indicate a problem with the master cylinder, slave cylinder, or release bearing.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Due to the advent of Dual Mass Flywheels, clutch replacement costs have risen significantly in recent years. These are often required to be replaced simultaneously as the standard three-piece clutch kit. Dual Mass Flywheels consist of two flywheels with a series of springs interconnected to act as vibration dampers. This reduces noise, provides greater comfort for passengers and drivers, and increases transmission.
Conclusion
If you have any problems with your vehicle’s drive or any other issue, please contact mechanic Auckland immediately to prevent total loss of control. If you ignore clutch issues, your vehicle can fail and leave you stranded.