LET US TEST YOUR CLUTCH FOR YOU
If you think that you may have an issue with your clutch, gearbox or with any other area of your vehicle, bring it into us and we’ll assess it for you. Typically this will include our taking it for a short test drive to ascertain where the problem may lie. Once we’ve done this we can then advise you on where specifically the problem lies and what the cost to repair will be.
Call us on 01 459 1308 today and chat to us about any problems you think your car may be having. We’ll arrange a time that suits you to come in and test your car. Or if you prefer you can Contact Us via our website form – we aim to get back to you within 30 minutes of you sending a message and if we don’t, we’ll give you 10 euros off any work done over 100 euros within the next five working days.
HOW DOES THE CLUTCH WORK?
The clutch in your car is the mechanism by which rotational energy from your car’s engine is transferred to the wheels. They typically will have two rotating shafts – one driven by your car’s motor, while the other is connected to your car’s transmission via the gearbox. When driving, the clutch connects the two shafts such that the power generated in your engine is transferred to your car’s wheels. When your car or vehicle is stopped, it disconnects (or disengages) the two shafts so that the engine can safely continue to spin without driving the car forward or causing the car to stall.
The clutch is subjected to constant friction – and as such is more likely to suffer from wear and tear. If well maintained it can now last for more than 80,000 or even 100,000 miles. However cars or vans that are routinely overloaded or tow heavy loads can see problems much more quickly.
COMMON CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Common Problems include “slipping”, where the clutch disc and flywheel are spinning at different speeds. This can be a common problem for drivers who “coast” or “ride the clutch” a lot.
This refers to driving with the clutch pedal partially held down. This pushes the pressure pad against the clutch plate while not engaging completely, creating more friction and wear. Driving with the clutch partially held down is a bad habit that will cause it to fail sooner rather than later.
Other issues include “sticking”, where it won’t release properly – causing grinding or possibly even preventing your car going into gear at all.
This can be caused by a damaged or stretched clutch cable, leaky cylinders, air in the hydraulic line, misaligned linkage, worn clutch release bearings or even mismatched components – where after market parts have been used that may not be 100% compatibile with your car.