Here we have a look at some of the most common clutch and gearbox problems – and what to look for to spot and diagnose them.
Clutch noise – The clutch makes a high pitched noise like a squeal when you press the pedal – This is a sign the bearing must be replaced. The throwout bearing noises are louder as you push the pedal right down. The bearing problems are generally caused by riding the clutch or a lack of lubrication.
Slipping clutch – Your clutch slipping will see various things happen like the engine revving while in gear but your speed not increasing, gear changes being less smooth and difficulty in pulling away from a stationary start. The best way to test this is to start the engine, with the brakes applied then put the car into 3rd or 4th gear. Slowly release the clutch pedal – a healthy clutch will cause the car to stall – a slipping clutch will attempt to engage the gear and move the car forwards.
There might be many factors contributing to the slipping clutch, but the main ones are likely to be a worn pressure plate or clutch plate, a bad waste or slave cylinder, Low fluid/lubrication or an oil soaked clutch plate.
Hard gear shifts – Creaking, groaning and difficult gear changes – not the hallmark of smooth driving, and very annoying if not simply a clear indication that something is wrong with your car. This can be sign of the clutch linkage needing some attention due to adjustment or lubrication requirements.
Lubricant leaking – Easy to spot – on the pavement, even easier to spot on clean paper left under your car overnight, and this will help diagnose where the leak is likely coming from too. Usual sources of this issue include the lubricant level being too high, loose bolts in the transmission housing or cracks in the transmission casing.
Noisy gearbox while driving – This is another one of the issues that really requires immediate and professional help and assistance. Give A1 a call if your gearbox is noisier than usual while you are driving. Usual suspects for this condition are worn gears in the gearbox, bearings that are worn and chipped gear teeth – all general signs of wear and tear.
As with any of the issues that may crop up on your car, the sooner they are seen to the better. It is best to nip these problem in the bud, simply give us a call and we will check out the status of the issues and where necessary advise on the right course of action to get things working properly again.