There are a number of things that can go bad when the clutch goes bad. We can extend the life of your clutch by servicing it every 6,000 miles. This allows us to inspect the clutch and replace any parts that have worn out. A clutch can last over 100,000 miles if it is taken care of and you don’t ride it. Writing means that you keep your foot on the pedal all the time. Let’s talk below about the signs that your clutch is bad. Do not worry. We can repair it or replace it.
The Pedal Sinks
If you press down on the clutch pedal and it sinks to the floorboard, it is bad. The pedal may also feel softer underneath your foot or extremely hard underneath your foot. Either way, any change in the resistance that the clutch gives your foot is a sign that it needs to be inspected.
The Bite Point Changes
Generally, a clutch needs to be replaced if the bite point changes. This is also called the catch point. When a clutch starts to wear out, the bite point will get higher and higher. You may not notice this problem at first, but, eventually, you will because the point is extremely high.
The Clutch Slips
You may not know this but when you press down on the clutch, it takes the power that the engine is producing and transfers it to the transmission. This is why the engine cuts out briefly. The transmission uses the power to shift the gears and turn the drivetrain.
If the clutch is worn out, it may not remain engaged and slip out of engagement. When this happens, the power moves back to the engine prematurely. Unfortunately, this overheats the clutch. As such, you will smell burning odors in the passenger cabin of your vehicle.
You Can’t Shift
In addition, you will have problems trying to shift the gears because the power is with the engine rather than the transmission. You may feel resistance from the gearshift when you try to move it. The gears may also grind or clunk when you shift them.
The Acceleration Lags
Finally, as we mentioned above, the transmission uses the power from the engine to turn the drivetrain. If the transmission does not have this power, the drivetrain will not turn and your wheels will not turn. Consequently, your vehicle will lag in its acceleration when you press down on the pedal.
Call us today to schedule a service visit for your clutch if it has been over 6,000 miles since you’ve had it inspected and adjusted.