Clutches

More often than not a vehicle’s clutch will need to be replaced before the vehicle reaches the end of its service life. The facings on the clutch disc wear as the miles accumulate, and the clutch pressure plate and flywheel can become worn or cracked from heat and friction. An otherwise good clutch also can be ruined by oil contamination. The clutch cable or hydraulic linkages can fail and prevent the clutch from working properly. Other clutch issues include a bearing, bushing, or fork wearing out.

If you’re experiencing difficulty shifting into or out of gears or are experiencing slipping on hills or freeway speeds, you may have a problem with your clutch. Signs include:

• Clutch feels soft when depressed
• Clutch pedal moves to the floor with little resistance
• Unable to engage the transmission into gear
• Clutch grabs as it engages
• Clutch slipping
• Noise or vibration coming from the clutch itself

Think you may be in need of clutch service for your vehicle? Contact us today to set an appointment.

How long is the average clutch life?

On average clutch life is 80,000 to 110,000 miles. There are, however, a lot of variables that have an impact on clutch life. The amount of wear and tear that a clutch experiences depends on maintenance, how hot the climate is in which the car is driven, and how the driver uses the clutch. For example, if a driver rides the clutch pedal as a way of controlling the speed of the vehicle, this will compound the wear on the clutch.