Clutch Pressure Plate Failure And The Associated Symptoms To Look Out For

In this article we will look at the main symptoms that indicate your clutch pressure plate is failing. As we know in all manual transmission cars, the clutch and its various components play a vital role in the proper functioning of the engine. If this clutch assembly starts to malfunction, your car will become difficult to drive and you can encounter some serious problems.

What Is The Typical Lifespan Of The Clutch Assembly?

With the correct use of manual transmission cars, the clutch should last a long time - ranging between 30,000 kilometers and 240,000 kilometers. Of course, clutch wear also depends on the make, model and year of the car, the type of clutch, your driving habits, and the conditions in which you usually drive Stop-and-start traffic, towing heavy loads regularly, abruptly engaging the clutch, and “riding the clutch” when slowing down or decelerating are all factors that can lead to clutch failure.

What Are The Components In A Clutch Assembly?

• The Clutch Disc which connects to the transmission

• The Release Mechanism which could either be mechanical or hydraulic

• The Clutch Cable which connects the clutch pedal and fork

• The Linkage which connects the fork to the pressure plate

• The Pressure Plate which connects to the clutch disc

• The Flywheel which connects to the engine

• Clutch Pilot Bearing which connects the input shaft and the clutch disc

• The Release or “throw-out” Bearing

• The Clutch Fork which regulates the force between the pressure plate and the clutch via the linkage

What Is A  Clutch Pressure Plate And What Role Does It Play?

The clutch pressure plate is a heavy metal plate, controlled by springs and a lever and plays an important role in your manual car’s clutch assembly. It’s main role is to apply pressure to the primary clutch disc thereby holding it against the engine flywheel. Energy then flows from the engine crankshaft, through the engaged clutch into the transmission/gearbox, then through the driveshafts and to the car’s wheels.

When the driver presses down on the clutch pedal, the pressure to the clutch plate is stopped which disengages the pressure between the clutch pressure plate, the clutch plate and the engine flywheel. This interrupts the transmission of power to the engine thereby allowing the driver to easily engage and change gears.

Because it works in combination with other clutch components, including the flywheel and the clutch disc, it undergoes a lot of pressure and friction, which is why it wears out.

How Do I Know If My Clutch Pressure Plate Is Failing?

Fortunately, clutch pressure plate failure symptoms are pretty obvious and if you notice the following, you can take swift action to repair it, before further damage is done.

• Weak acceleration

• It will become difficult to engage the clutch pedal - clutch pedal feels sticky

• The gears could begin to slip and not stay in gear.

• The Clutch pedal pulsates

• Odd Noises - grinding, squeaking, whirling or chirping noise when in Neutral or when releasing the clutch

• Grinding sound when shifting gears and the clutch does not completely disengage

• Vibrating in the Transmission system

• You cannot get the Transmission into gear - especially reverse or 3rd gear 

• Overheating and/or burning smell

• The clutch pedal begins to feel spongy and/or loose.

How Can I Increase The Lifespan Of My Clutch Pressure Plate?

• Don’t  “ride” the car’s clutch. This refers to when the driver keeps his foot on the clutch pedal, even to just rest his foot, as this causes the clutch to remain partially engaged. This causes more wear than is necessary.

• Gently pull away from the clutch and “shift up” as gently and naturally as you can.

• Do not use your clutch as brakes

Fix Any Clutch Issues As Quickly As Possible

As with any car problems, allowing the problem to linger on can cause even more damage. When you have become aware of an issue with your clutch, attend to it as soon as possible as other components of the transmission can also get damaged and the repair bill will increase dramatically.

Where Can I Purchase Clutch Components And Parts?

There are many companies and mechanics that will be able to assist with repairing your clutch pressure plate and other components if necessary, but they could be quite costly. Fortunately, you can buy all clutch parts and clutch components online with AfricaBoyz Online - https://africaboyzonline.com/clutch-parts

Not only are the parts we sell of the most premium quality, but they are also far more affordable than buying from your mechanic and even some local auto businesses. It would be in your interest to purchase the parts directly and we can arrange to have them delivered straight to you or even to your mechanic. We also often run online deals regularly on all our car parts so why not subscribe to take advantage of our fabulous discounts?