A clutch’s lifespan varies between 30,000 kilometers and 240,000 kilometers. On average, it’s 90,000 kilometers. However, the lifespan varies on the car you use. Nevertheless, bad clutch pressure plates can lead to some problematic issues for your vehicle.
Clutch works very hard with every start, stop, and gear change. And this makes it wear out over time.
The clutch assembly is crucial for every vehicle, as it works well in connecting the engine to the transmission.
However, you may suddenly experience an unanticipated clutch failure due to some issues with the pressure plate. As a result, you may find it challenging to engage and change gears.
There could be multiple reasons behind the clutch failure. For example, it could be due to overheating, worn-out clutch disc, driving habits, fluid leaks, or even broken springs.
But don’t worry. In this article, we share some common symptoms of clutch plate problems that would help you take corrective actions in advance.
Your Vehicle Starts Slowly but Engine Races
This is known as clutch slippage. It could happen when your clutch disc is worn out. As a result, the disc will have less surface to grip the flywheel and pressure plate. This makes it difficult for the engine to translate rotating power to the transmission.
Another symptom you may experience is the clutch releases quickly, without much pressure on the pedal.
A worn-out disc is not the only reason why clutch slippage happens. There could be multiple causes such as:
● Clutch linkage misaligned, bent, or damaged
● Pressure plate warped or weakened
● Broken motor mount
● Clutch linkage needs to be adjusted
● Blocked master cylinder compensation port
● Clutch assembly contaminated with oil because of transmission or engine il leakage.
You can perform a simple test to find out if your clutch is slipping. Just park in an area with enough space in front of you, away from people and traffic.
Then start the engine and engage the emergency brake and depress the clutch pedal. Next, switch into third gear and rev the engine to about 2000 rpm. And then slowly release the clutch pedal.
The engine should stall as the clutch engages the pressure plate and flywheel. If it doesn’t, that means you have clutch slippage.
Your Clutch Chatters When You Accelerate
Ideally, a clutch problem makes the vibrate. However, you may have a severe clutch problem if your vehicle jerks during acceleration.
The vibrations appear from the clutch disc inconsistently, losing its grip on the flywheel. There could be many reasons for chattering, such as:
● Clutch disc hub with worn out splines
● Pressure plate with hot spots
● Clutch disc lining burnt or contaminated with oil
● Flywheel has worn out
● The pilot bearing is worn out or damaged
However, do check the transmission motor mounts, which could also be the source of chatter. Also, check the mounts for loose bolts, cracks, and damage.
Your Clutch Pedal Is Hard to Push
When you have to apply excessive force for the clutch to engage, you should know that there could be a problem with its release mechanism. Check the clutch pressure plates if you have a vehicle with a mechanical system.
Apart from the pressure plate, it could also happen when the clutch fork, throw-out bearing, linkage, and cable are in bad shape. A faulty cable could also be the cause of hard transmission. If you work with hydraulic systems, you should inspect the seams for any wear or blockage.
Your Clutch Pedal Feels Spongy or Loose
Does your clutch pedal feel loose? Then it could be due to the faults in the mechanical unit’s diaphragm spring of the clutch spring. So you should check the following thoroughly for any issues:
● Check for a broken cable.
● Look out for the pressure plate diaphragm spring’s failure
● Check the fork or release bearing for damage
If you work with hydraulic systems, look for the followings:
● Leakage in pipes or connections.
● Low fluid in the reservoir
● Master cylinder, piston primary seal leak
● Master cylinder, central valve seal fault
There are many other ways to find out if there are issues with your clutch pressure plates, such as:
● Pulsating clutch pedal
● Overheating
● Vibration in the transmission system
● Noise from the clutch release
● Grinding feel with gear shifting
