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26 July 2024 Clutch: burning smell, overheating symptoms, and fixes
Simply put, a clutch is a mechanical device in vehicles that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission while driving. This allows the driver to smoothly transfer and disconnect the engine's power to the wheels, enabling gear changes, starting, and stopping without stalling the engine. The condition of the car clutch kit is therefore critical to the performance of the car.
Clutch burning smell
A clutch burning smell is usually a sign of excessive clutch slippage, which occurs when the clutch is not fully engaging or disengaging. This can be due to riding the clutch pedal, a worn-out clutch, or improper clutch adjustment, causing overheating. If the problem persists, you may need to install new clutch parts to replace the worn or damaged ones.
Excessively heavy vehicle loads and frequent stop-start driving can also create unnecessary strain on the clutch. Another cause of the smell could be a transmission oil leak, resulting in increased friction between the components and overheating.
Article number: 600 0017 00
£ 330,28
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 837522
£ 385,69
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK Clutch kit
with pilot bearing, with clutch release bearing, with release fork, with flywheel, with screw set, Requires special tools for mounting, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0238 00
£ 446,28
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 619 3087 00
£ 153,03
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK Clutch kit
with central slave cylinder, with flywheel, with screw set, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0321 00
£ 364,71
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
New clutch has a burning smell
If you’ve just installed a new clutch, it shouldn’t be burning out already. If it does smell burnt, this may be an indicator that you aren’t used to the biting point and are causing it to slip, or that the parts have been installed incorrectly. In some cases, it is due to residues or protective coatings.
So, how quickly can a clutch burn out? Clutches can last anywhere between 20,000 and 150,000 miles depending on the product quality and driving conditions. Make sure to avoid bad habits such as riding the clutch to ensure that the components last longer.
Clutch has burning smell but not slipping
If the clutch smells like it’s burning but there are no obvious signs of slipping, you should still inspect the parts for signs of wear or damage. In some cases, the heat is caused by transmission oil leaks due to broken clutch seals. The parts can also overheat if you ride the clutch or rev excessively without engaging the gears properly.
What causes a clutch to burn out?
Below is a breakdown of the main causes of clutch burn-out:
- Old age – over time, the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing will wear out, causing slipping and overheating.
- Bad driving habits – riding the clutch, excessive revving, harsh gear changes or acceleration, and exceeding the vehicle’s load capacity will all lead to premature wear.
- Improper adjustment – such as an incorrectly adjusted clutch cable or hydraulic system.
- A lack of lubrication – due to leaks in the hydraulic system.
- Frequent stop-start driving – constant use of the clutch in heavy traffic conditions.
Burnt out clutch symptoms
Apart from the pungent smell, you may notice that it has become much more difficult to shift gears while driving or that you have to reach higher RPMs in order to accelerate to the right speed, for instance. Other signs include a grinding sound when changing gears and a stiff or soft clutch pedal. None of these symptoms should be ignored as they can lead to complete clutch failure.
What does a burning clutch smell like?
The smell of a burning clutch has often been described as a sickly sulphur odour or an intense smell of burning rubber. It has a distinct, acrid odour similar to overheated brakes or an electrical fire that is often described as sharp and unpleasant. It becomes more noticeable as the friction material of the clutch disc overheats and breaks down.
How long does a burnt clutch smell last?
This depends on the cause, if the clutch is burnt out due to worn parts or a fault, it may be there whenever you drive until you get the parts repaired or replaced. If it is only due to temporary causes, such as a minor slip or bad start, it should go away after a few minutes or a couple of hours.
VALEO Clutch kit
with dual-mass flywheel, with screw set, without lock screw set, with clutch release bearing, 235mm
Article number: 837072
£ 451,29
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-65%
SACHS Clutch kit
with clutch pressure plate, with dual-mass flywheel, with flywheel screws, with pressure plate screws, with clutch disc, with clutch release bearing, 228mm
Article number: 2290 601 059
compared to
RRP
£ 883,76
£ 302,33
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-56%
SACHS Clutch kit
190mm
Article number: 3000 990 214
compared to
RRP
£ 300,85
£ 129,74
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VALEO Clutch kit
with clutch release bearing, 208mm, 208mm
Article number: 855201
£ 760,36
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 837397
£ 319,65
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
What happens if you burn your clutch?
First of all, the components will fail faster due to excessively high operating temperatures and wear. The worn clutch plate may not be disengaging from the flywheel properly, causing slippage and difficulty changing gears. If left unchecked, it could eventually lead to a loss of control over the transmission and a breakdown.
Can I drive with a burnt clutch?
While it may be possible to continue with a burnt clutch, particularly if it is not slipping out of gear, it is not a sensible thing to do. In the end, it only increases the risk of total clutch failure and, consequently, serious road accidents. The best option is to get it repaired by a professional as soon as possible and avoid driving until it is fixed.
What to do if the clutch overheats
If your clutch overheats, pull over safely and let it cool for 15-30 minutes. Check for issues like strange noises or burning smells, and inspect the clutch fluid levels if your vehicle uses hydraulic fluid. Avoid excessive clutch slipping by adjusting your driving habits.
If problems persist, consult a mechanic to diagnose and fix potential faults and replace parts if necessary. Check out how much a clutch replacement will cost for your vehicle model.
A useful video on this topic:
How to detect clutch failure
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