Don't Ignore The Nagging Clutch

For drivers of manual transmission, taking care of the clutch is a must do. The clutch can last from four years till seven year, but if the car shows sign of the clutch slipping up then you need to get it checked.

The known symptoms of a slipping Clutch are

• Poor mileage
• The need to downshift more regularly when going up the hill.
• The engine makes revving noises and starts moving when stopped.
• It is getting tougher to use the clutch.
• See if the clutch is properly adjusted, about half an inch of freeplay should be there when you put your feet on it lightly.
• Poor mileage

If all the symptoms check out then its time to see how far in the deep you really are. Put on the handbrake and turn on the engine. Press on the clutch pedal and change the transmission to fourth gear. Release the clutch bit by bit while stepping on the accelerator. If you are capable of completely release the clutch without having the car move or getting the engine stalled then the clutch had to be changed. .

A clutch adjustment must be made every six thousand miles or 6 months. The pedal allows you to change gears and allows engine power to the transmission. If you want to change your clutch then you need to have a few things in mind.

Rear Wheel Drive

• If the car is rear-wheel drive, then the transmission, driveshaft, and bellhousing must be detached from the bottom of the vehicle to get to the clutch.
• Unbolt the clutch from the flywheel and replace it.
• It is always better to resurface the flywheel. When checking the clutch, check the flywheel too.
• If the flywheel is found contaminated with grease or oil, warped, badly worn, and heat discolored grooved then it has to be changed too.
• A new throw-out bearing also needs to be replaced as it could be risky to have an old bearing with new parts.
• Pilot bushing at the crankshaft supporting the transmission input shaft must also be inspected it must be replaced if the vehicle has clocked in a lot of miles.

Replacing the transmission is a tough job as the transmission is heavy. The clutch needs to be perfectly aligned with the pilot tool and accordingly the transmission input shaft will get into place once everything is done.

Front wheel drive

• With front wheel drive clutch replacement is even tougher.
• You have to pull the engine or drop the transaxle.
• For which an engine hoist is needed to support the engine from the above as the transaxle come out

With the necessary steps you can attempt a clutch repair and clutch replacement by yourself. However these changes should not be done by an inexperienced rookie who does not know the insides of a car thoroughly. In such cases it is better to go to a mechanic and get the repairs done by professionals.