A good rule of thumb is to have your clutch adjusted every 6,000 miles. This helps you get the most mileage out of the clutch that you can. Oftentimes, a clutch can last more than 100,000 miles if it is taken care of properly. We can help you do that here at JA Motors. We can also rebuild or replace your clutch if you notice any of the following problems listed below.
Burning Odors
A clutch that has worn out internal mechanisms will slip. Slipping means that the clutch does not stay engaged even though you have not released the clutch pedal. Unfortunately, a slipping clutch tends to overheat, and when this happens, you end up with burning odors coming from the clutch. Burning odors can also indicate wear and tear on the clutch that needs to be rebuilt.
Gear Problems
Burning odors are not the only indication that your clutch is slipping. If you are having difficulties shifting through the gear cycle, it’s possible that your clutch is not staying engaged. If the clutch does not remain engaged until you release it, the power that was transferred from the engine to the transmission will transfer back to the engine prematurely. This can make shifting the gears impossible.
Grinding
It will also grind the gears when you shift them. Grinding noises definitely indicate that the power transfer from the engine is incomplete. Unfortunately, if you continue to drive your automobile with grinding gears, you will cause further damage to the clutch and also to the transmission.
Hesitation
The powers shift that we talked about above is needed to turn your vehicle’s wheels. In other words, when the transmission has the power, it moves the driveshaft. This is what turns your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s wheels. Without this transmission power, the wheels will not turn. Consequently, your vehicle’s acceleration will hesitate when you release the clutch.
Spongy Clutch
Finally, your clutch pedal should give you the same resistance and the catch point should be in the same place every time you press down on it. If the pedal feels soft or spongy or the catch point is higher than normal, this is an indication that your clutch needs to be replaced. In some cases, we may be able to rebuild the clutch or resolve the difference in the catch point by adjusting the clutch.
Call JA Motors in Peachtree City, GA, today if you’re having problems with your vehicle’s clutch. We’d be happy to inspect the clutch and let you know what it will take to fix it.