how can i tell if a clutch in the car is going

Cat695

adjust the clutch cable as clutches do wear just like brakes.....it just might be its not grabbing and needs tightening

ohreally

After almost two years, i doubt the problem still exists.

jeannieblue

ohreally wrote: »

After almost two years, i doubt the problem still exists.

You're not an optimist then

big_gay_kirk

Volcano wrote: »

Start your car (on a level road) put the clutch in, put the car into 3rd gear, take the handbrake off and slowly release the clutch. It should stall rapidly. If the engine labours for a bit as you let the clutch out, tries to pull away, then stalls, the clutch is slipping. Also, have the car ticking over in neutral, listen carefully and push the clutch in. If there is a rattle then you will have problems soon. If you have a rattle that goes away when you push the clutch in then that also points to wear in the clutch.

not necessarily true.. most cars should'nt stall if you set off in third.... in fact it used to be advised to start off in 2nd unless on an uphill gradient, and to start in third if on ice or snow....

ohreally

big_gay_kirk wrote: »

in fact it used to be advised to start off in 2nd unless on an uphill gradient

The rationale being?

vaio

ohreally wrote: »

The rationale being?

less torque so less chance of wheel spin

big_gay_kirk

vaio wrote: »

less torque so less chance of wheel spin

saved me saying it.. cheers... its people not knowing stuff like that, that leads to the roads turning into sheets of ice when we have a slight sprinkle of snow!

movilogo

not necessarily true.. most cars should'nt stall if you set off in third.... in fact it used to be advised to start off in 2nd unless on an uphill gradient, and to start in third if on ice or snow....

Whether a car will stall in 2nd/3rd gear, does not only depends on clutch, it also depends on how much torque engine can produce. Most diesel cars or powerful petrol cars (>2.5L) can start in 3rd gear! However, most normal petrol cars will definitely stall if you put them in 3rd gear during start.

Starting cars in 2nd gear is NOT advisable (unless you're on ice or slippery surface) as it will put unnecessary strain on engine. Harm will be more on petrol engines and less on diesel engines.

Modern car ECUs are tuned in such a way that it will try to reduce stall even at very low RPM (especially diesels and petrol cars with variable valve timings or similar).

If you are worried that your clutch might fail, then see a mechanic. Sometimes clutches can fail suddenly and often slipping is difficult to feel.

hewhoisnotintheknow

i always find driving up kerbs from a stand still is a good test of the clutch!

Quentin

The op could get a quick answer to her query by letting a bloke have a drive and reporting back. (Whilst she gets on with a few enemas)