Sometimes, in order to move forward in life, you need something or someone who can push you to the right direction. Without this kind of motivational power, advancing one day at a time seems like a tedious and daunting task. Same applies to your car. Without a driving force that gives it power to propel forward, the entire vehicle won't run. You'll remain stuck and stranded, while other vehicles race past you. In a manual transmission system, the clutch is probably one of the most vital components because it allows you to transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels. Basically, this part controls the driving force that allows your vehicle to move forward.
So how exactly does a car clutch work? It's a bit complicated, but to put it simply, this component is dependent on friction in order to operate. Without friction between two essential transmission pieces, the flywheel and the plate, the part won't be able to engage or disengage properly, causing your engine to stop and stutter on the road. But of course, those two are not the only parts comprising the transmission system. The throw-out bearing, disc, and clutch pedal are also some of the key components inside the assembly. Ensuring the pristine condition of all these elements is the best way to achieve a responsive transmission mechanism that allows quick gear changes.
Usually, clutches that are well-maintained can last beyond 80,000 miles, or approximately between four to seven years. But for frequently overloaded vehicles, like trucks, clutches may start to deteriorate as early as around 35,000 miles. Observe the part if you notice any slipping or damage. The first warning sign is an unusual grinding noise, which means the gears are not interlocking. The part badly needs adjustment if it fails to engage and disengage the transmission. Once this happens, the entire vehicle won't run since the engine won't be able to do an efficient power transfer to the wheels.
Like the friction material on disc brake pads, the ones incorporated on clutches may also wear out, causing major slipping. The flywheel and the disc must therefore always spin together in perfect timing to reduce the possibility of worn out friction material. But slipping is not the only problem the transmission may encounter, but also sticking. This can stop your vehicle from going into gear, and will also trigger grinding in the engine. Usually, clutches may stick if air has flowed in the hydraulic line or if some of the components are mismatched. A misadjusted linkage can also transfer an incorrect level of force, causing the part to stick.
These problems-and a lot more-will make your transmission system quite difficult to control. A clutch replacement is perhaps the only solution to avoid worst-case scenarios. Get one here at Parts Train. Shop today and enjoy our excellent service.