How to Diagnose a Slipping Clutch in Your Car

The clutch on a manual transmission car usually lasts anywhere from four to seven years, depending on where you drive (in the city, on hills, etc.) and your personal driving habits.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Note poor gas mileage.

2. Notice if you need to downshift more frequently when going up hills.

3. Take note if the engine sounds like it's revving when you accelerate or start moving from a stop.

4. Be aware if the clutch can no longer be adjusted to create more pedal "free play."

5. Notice if the clutch pedal begins to feel stiff and requires more force to depress it.

6. Make sure the clutch is properly adjusted: You should feel about 1/2 inch of free play (or slack) at the clutch pedal when you first put your foot lightly on the clutch pedal.

7. Put the handbrake on.

8. Turn the engine on.

9. Depress the clutch pedal and put the transmission in fourth gear.

10. Slowly let up on the clutch while stepping on the gas pedal.

11. If you are able to completely release the clutch pedal without the engine stalling (or the car moving), your clutch is history.

Tips & Warnings

• A clutch that needs an adjustment will create the same symptoms as a clutch that needs replacing. Replacing the clutch is typically a 5- to 6-hour job (pricey!), while a clutch adjustment takes less than 5 minutes.
• Make sure the handbrake works well and be prepared to move your foot quickly to the foot brake in case the car starts moving or lurches forward.

[somekid55]

on 5/16/2009 ...repair. Make sure that the repair shop replaces the entire clutch system and not just the clutch disc. Some components of the system are: pressure plate, clutch disc, pilot bearing, as well as various seals.

[somekid55]

on 5/16/2009 Like previously posted, many new cars have clutches that adjust automatically to wear and tear. You should know based off of driving the car if the clutch needs to be replaced...if someone genuinely knows how to drive a standard and does not "ride" the clutch, shift at unnecessary times, or try to race people, a clutch should last anywhere between 60,000-90,000 miles depending on different driving habits. I know of people who have done 100,000 miles on a single clutch since they experience a lot of highway mileage. In short, a slipping clutch makes the driver almost work harder to get the car moving. The driver should experience high-RPM or above normal readings before the clutch fully engages. If you drive an older model car, the general rule of thumb for a clutch that has not been adjusted is that the higher the friction or grabbing point of a clutch, the closer it is toward ...

[spartanic]

on 4/30/2009 This clutch troubleshooting guide should also prove helpful: http://www.garage411.com/Clutch

[Tham]

on 3/24/2008 Great tips by the editor. I've learned a lot today.
I didn't realize it cost that much to replace a new clutch
there. Costs around M$200 for a set including the clutch disc,
diaphragm, release (or throwout ?) bearing and flywheel oil
seal. I'm from Malaysia.

Er.... what is the pilot bearing ? They normally don't replace
that here.

[JulieM]

on 4/7/2007 I found this page that helped me diagnose my problem: http://www.valeoclutches.com/ClutchSlippage.asp