Clutches

It is common for a vehicle’s clutch to need replacement before the vehicle reaches the end of its service life. The facings on the clutch disc become worn as the miles accumulate, and the clutch pressure plate and flywheel can crack and wear from heat and friction. A decent 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 bushing, bearing, 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 pedal moves with little resistance
• Clutch feels soft when depressed
• Unable to engage the transmission into gear
• Noise or vibration coming from the clutch
• Clutch grabs as it engages
• Clutch slipping

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.