Protect Car Clutch – Full Information

The clutch of a car is a type of mechanical linkage between the engine and transmission. It disconnects the engine briefly from the transmission system. Moreover, a clutch is a multi-purpose component. It is essential to stop power transmission to the driveshaft to change gears. It also prevents the engine from stopping when you are in gear at low speeds. In addition, a clutch functions as a brake to slow down the vehicle during braking. It’s important to protect car clutch in order to make it last longer.

With so many key functions performed by it, the clutch system needs proper usage as well as a lot of care. The clutch faces constant friction, so it is understood that it will wear out ultimately. Constant driving along with continuous use of clutch affects the car, and the clutch plate itself. It can suffer some major wear and tear in long run. How long your car goes without a replacement of car clutch depends on the way it is driven. So, here we will discuss the working, common problems related to the clutch of your car.

Table of Contents:

• Working Principle of Cars Clutch
• The Main Functions Of The Clutch
• Cars Clutch Components
• Driving Habits To Protect Car Clutch
• Symptoms of Car Clutch Wearing Out
• Conclusion

Working Principle of Cars Clutch

Two revolving surfaces come into contact and press each other. These surfaces unite and start to revolve at the same speed by the friction force between them. The friction depends on the area of a surface, the pressure, and the material of the surfaces. The driving member is the flywheel of the engine crankshaft. Also, the driven member is the pressure plate of the transmission shaft. Clutch plates are kept between the two members. This complete assembly is called the clutch.

The mechanism of the clutch engages as well as disengages the transmission from the two shafts. The clutch also connects the rotating shafts, and there can be two or more of these in the car. The clutch is connected to both the shafts, of the engine and to that which turns the car wheels. Although the motor spins constantly, you don’t want the wheels spinning continually. One rotating shaft connects to the engine, while the other rotating shaft, provides output for work. 

The Main Functions Of The Clutch:

The car clutch performs the following functions:

• When disengaged – Allows engine crank and facilitates the engine to run 
• When disengaged –  Permits to shift the transmission into various gears
• While engaged – Provides smooth enagegment and lessens the shock on gears
• While engaged – Transmits the power to the wheel without slipping

Now that we know about the working principle and function of the car clutch let’s explore the different components of the car clutch.

Cars Clutch Components

There are mainly four components of a car clutch. These are:

Clutch Plate: 

The clutch plate faces the springs. These springs are located under the friction material plates. They smoothen the engagement of the clutch. 

Clutch Fork: 

The clutch fork transmits the motion from the release mechanism to the clutch cover and bearing. There are mainly two types of the clutch fork. Firstly, the fork that goes through a hole of square shape in pivots. Secondly, there is a round shaft of the clutch fork.

Bearing Of Clutch: 

The bearings of the Clutch decrease the friction between the clutch fork and the pressure plates. It is similar to a ball bearing and a collar assembly.

Clutch Cover: 

The clutch cover is responsible for locking and unlocking the flywheel. The same thing happens on the clutch plate too. The clutch cover consists of springs that expand and contract in the process of locking, unlocking.  

Next, let’s look at some common driving habits that damage your car clutch.

Driving Habits To Protect Car Clutch 

Following are some common driving habits damage your car clutch. By not committing them you can avoid damage to the clutch and makes its life longer.

Putting the car in gear when at a stoplight

Whenever your car stops always make sure that the clutch pedal is not engaged while at rest. 

Resting a hand on the lever of gear

Putting a hand on the gear lever puts pressure on the gear forks. This in turn affects the rotation of the rotating collar, This can result in an expensive repair afterward.

Pressuring the engine at low speeds

Sometimes extra pressure is put on your car while driving in a higher gear in order to accelerate. Although it’s good to maintain an average speed, it’s not good to drive slow on a higher gear. 

Changing gears slowly

When you press the clutch pedal, always make sure that you change the gear quickly.

Riding with foot on the clutch

Always make sure that you press the clutch only while changing gears. The foot should never be rested on the clutch pedal while driving. A little press of the clutch while driving can cause the car gears to wear and tear quickly.

Symptoms of Car Clutch Wearing Out

Following are some common symptoms that point to the car clutch wearing out:

Clutch Slipping

When the clutch starts to slip it means that the clutch has already started to wear out. You will notice a lag when the car picks up. If it happens, it’s time to take your car to the nearest mechanic for checking.

Gear Shift Trouble

An important sign of car clutch damage is when the car does not shift gears smoothly. Whenever you try to shift gears and it requires more effort, it’s a sign of car clutch damage.

Change of Feel of Pedal

When your car’s clutch pedal feels quite different it’s time for an adjustment. Your clutch pedal should always operate smoothly. It should be able to feel the shift at the same place each time when you change the gears. 

Poor Car Acceleration

The clutch engages the transmission gears. Sometimes the car revs without any acceleration. It means that the clutch did not engage first gear, reverse, or whatever gear you have put the transmission in. This is an important sign of clutch damage.

A Burning Smell

When you notice a burning smell while gear shifting, head to a service shop for a fast check. It’s an important symptom of a potentially damaged car clutch.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Car Clutch?

Clutch replacement costs depend Upon the make and model of the car. It also varies based on the components needed. If it is just about the clutch disc change, the cost is roughly between $450 and $800 for parts as well as labor. For the complete clutch kit and flywheel, the cost can range anywhere from $700 to $2,000. Fortunately, if you drive your car in a responsible way, there is no need to replace your clutch frequently. 

Conclusion:

To summarise, a clutch is a significant component of an engine. It is capable to transmit motion from one machine part to another. Also, it can disengage and engage the driven as well as driving member. We have discussed the working, functions as well as different components of the clutch. In addition, the driving habits and common symptoms were explained in detail. Having all this information will help you to protect car clutch. We also discussed clutch replacement costs in case it gets damaged.