Is my clutch on its way out?

[skinnyd]

Hi Guys

I am wondering if my clutch is getting tired. As of latlely the car doesnt seem to shift properly. Best way to describe it is, as I am letting the clutch out it isnt as smooth as normal. It almost feels like it is grabbibg as I start to let out the clutch. Is this usually a symptom it is getting time to replace it??


Thanks
Ken

 

[Drew99GT]

If it is kind of a chatter type feel, sounds more like oil or something is contaminating the clutch disk. Usually when a clutch is "on it's way out", when you try and accelerate, your rpms will increase but your actual speed won't. That is a result of little to no friction material left on the disc, so it can't hold your engines power. Your throwout bearing might be bad as well.

 

[JohnBrowning]

First make sure all djustments are right. Cable operated clutchs usualy have quite a bit of adjustment. Check free play and travel. If you can take off in 5th gear then you know clutch is going bad. If you are getting shuder you really need to drop inspection cover or the transmission and take a look at the clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing and throw out bearing. It could be as simple as oil on t clutch or you may need to rplcae parts.

 

[labman]

I just went thorough adjusting the clutch on my truck. Usually they wear to where there is no free play in the pedal at all. It should be adjusted to where there is a little free play in the pedal, but still the pedal has to come up a ways from the floor before it starts to engage. Since it wears to no free play, I usually adjust to as much free play as possible with it being fully disengaged with the pedal near the floor. You may need to check a book to find out how yours adjusts. Some have adjustments at the pedal, some at the clutch, etc. My 81 Phoenix with the cable clutch adjusted by pulling up on the pedal. My 92 Grand Am with a hydraulic clutch claimed no need for adjustment. Worked for the 180K I had it. The hydraulic clutch in my truck does need adjusted from time to time. It also needs rebuilt all too frequently, one of the few reoccurring problems with my truck.

 

[skinnyd]

Thanks for all the replies.

It is in a 94 Honda. The clutch is hydrolic. I will have to check the fluid level and look in the shop manual to see if it is adjustable. I dont know how many miles are on it because the odometer broke at 50k. I am sure it has well over 100k. Hopefully I can get a little while longer out of it.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

I would say most Hondas are good for 150k, depending on your driving style.

 

[sprintman]

Hydraulic clutch (and brakes) should have fluid change annually as it's hygroscopic (attracts water). Doesn't cost much.

 

[labman]

In 11 years I never touched the hydraulic clutch in my Grand AM, and it was working fine. Some things you are better off leaving alone.