The clutch is the part of the car that is responsible for the interaction of the engine and gearbox. The components of the clutch, like most parts of the car, are under constant stress. Despite the rather long service life of the clutch parts, it needs regular inspection and maintenance.
Instructions
Step 1
The main reasons for the need for clutch repair are increased noise when engaging the clutch, jerking when the clutch is operating, incomplete engagement of the clutch (the clutch “slips”), incomplete disengagement of the clutch (the clutch “leads”).
Step 2
To check the condition of the clutch, get into the car, set the parking brake, turn off music and other devices that make noise. Close windows and doors to avoid disturbing external sounds. First, step on the clutch pedal with the engine off. The pedal should be pressed softly, evenly, without dips and rattles. If you observe excessive noise and extraneous sounds, make sure they are not coming from the pedal return spring. If your vehicle uses a cable clutch actuator, the noise may come from it. If there is extraneous noise when pressed, make sure it does not come from the gearbox, otherwise the clutch needs to be repaired.
Step 3
Start the car engine, and, without engaging gears, press the clutch pedal again. Rustle or noise that changes as the pedal is depressed may indicate wear on the clutch release bearing. In the case of a clutch cable drive, a worn cable may make noise.
Step 4
For the next test, make sure you have a well-adjusted handbrake. Sit in the car, set the parking brake as much as possible and start the engine. Depress the clutch pedal all the way and engage first gear. Without disengaging the parking brake, smoothly release the clutch pedal. At the same time, do not press the gas pedal. If, as the clutch is released, the engine speed begins to drop significantly, up to the engine stalling, the clutch is working correctly. Otherwise, the clutch is not completely disengaged and needs to be repaired.
Step 5
To test the engagement of the clutch, sit in the vehicle and start the engine. With the engine running, depress the clutch pedal all the way. After one to two seconds after pressing, turn on the reverse speed. If the gear engages smoothly and without force, the clutch is good. Also, with the engine running, try shifting between first and reverse gear. Press the clutch and engage first gear, without releasing the clutch, disengage. Release the clutch pedal, then press down and reverse gear again. Repeat the cycle several times. If the shifting is smooth and without crunching, your clutch is good. Otherwise, check the clutch basket and friction disc.
