How do you know if clutch needs replacing?

[dharrisonwu]

Hi all,

Quick question - how do you know when a clutch needs to be replaced? Seems like I almost have to release my clutch almost all the way up (farthest from the floor) when I engage first. does this mean I need to replace it soon?

thanks for all of your help! :troll:

[Boxtaboy]

Clutch engaging at near the top of the range is not indicative of a worn clutch. In fact, I noticed after bleeding my clutch fluid, the clutch engaged even at a higher point than before. The sign of a worn clutch is slipping.

You can test this by putting the car into a higher gear (like 4th) when you are driving slowly or uphill, and then flooring the gas pedal. If the car's revs swing higher without moving the car much, you've got slippage, if the car's revs move in acccordance with the car moving faster, then you're fine.

[dharrisonwu]

thanks Boxtaboy!

[bagwell]

of course a clutch can also just let go with no warning signs at all as mine did on an 84 Vette with 72K miles........I think it was the pressure plate.

[deliriousga]

There are a couple of other things to look for in addition to slipping. Mine is not slipping at all yet, but the release bearing is wearing out. It squeeks inside the clutch pack when the clutch pedal is pressed. That's caused by the release bearing not being centered properly any more due to the worn bearings and putting pressure on the guide tube. You can feel it drag a little too through the pedal.

It's important to replace when you start feeling/hearing the release bearing wear out so you don't end up with a bunch of ball bearings rattling around in there.