My Clutch Isn’t Resisting My Foot Anymore

If your clutch pedal’s resistance is too soft or it sinks all the way to the floor without catching on the bite point, it’s time to replace the clutch. Righteous Auto Care can do this for you. We can also maintain your clutch with regular adjustments every 6,000 miles so you get more life out of the original factory clutch. Aside from a soft, spongy, or sinking clutch pedal, here are other signs that your clutch is going bad.

You may also notice a change in the clutch pedal’s bite point if the clutch needs to be replaced. The bite point is the place in the clutch where it catches so you can shift the gears smoothly. In most cases, a malfunctioning clutch will have a higher bite point than normal. This is an indication that the clutch needs to be replaced or adjusted at a minimum.

You may also smell burning odors coming from a clutch that needs to be replaced. This is an indication that the clutch is slipping. Slipping means that the clutch is not staying engaged even though you have not lifted your foot off the clutch pedal. A slipping clutch will smell hot.

A slipping clutch will also cause problems shifting the gears because the clutch is not engaged at the catch point. When you press down on the clutch and reached the catch point, the power shifts from the engine to the transmission so you can shift the gears seamlessly. If the clutch slips out of engagement, it will not transfer the power and you will have difficulties shifting the gears. In severe cases, your vehicle may also slip out of gear and into neutral.

Another sign that the power transfer is not being completed between the engine in the transmission is hesitation when you try to accelerate your vehicle. The power transfer to the transmission allows you to shift gears and gives the transmission the power it needs to turn the driveshaft. If the transmission cannot turn the driveshaft, your wheels won’t turn.

Finally, you may notice that the gears grind every time you shift them if your clutch is going bad. This is a sign, again, that the clutch is not engaged in the power transfer is not complete. A faulty clutch may also squeak when you press down on and release it.

Call Righteous Auto Care in Racine, WI, today if you are having problems with your automobile’s clutch. We will replace it if necessary.