Signs That Your Clutch Needs Replacing

Do you enjoy the control and thrill that comes from shifting gears during your drive?  Many Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mini Cooper enthusiasts do.  However, the beauty of shifting can quickly put you into some ugly situations if your clutch fails.  Hence, the best approach is to recognize the signs that clutches give that there is a malfunction developing.  Here are the most common signs that we at BBC Automotive have addressed for our customers.  If you are in San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, or Encinitas and know you need clutch repair for your Jag, LR, or Mini Cooper, give us a call at (858) 914-4678.

Gear Slippage

A clutch that occasionally slips out of gear, is showing signs of wear.  Mechanically speaking, the clutch plates’ lining has worn to the point where it hinders flush interaction with the pressure plate.  This results in a less than firm grip with the transmission.  Gear slippage can also occur due to a transmission fluid leak.

Sticking Clutch

If you are finding that your clutch pedal sensitivity is change, either becoming harder to engage or failing to release, get it checked immediately.  Usually, there is a problem is due to a failing cable, linkage connector, shaft, or bearing.  Yet, on occasion, we have found cases of blockages or hydraulic seal failure which has resulted in stiffer clutch pedal engagement.

Hot Clutch

Some have found that after driving their vehicle, that they’ll notice smoke or a burning smell from the area near their shifter or under the vehicle.  Such an issue indicates overheating with some of the components of the gearbox.

Your clutch is comprised of several parts including the clutch disc, flywheel, release bearing, pressure plate and control linkage.  We service all of these components and more.  BBC Automotive is at your disposal, if you need help either clutch diagnosis or clutch repair.