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Clutch problems, symptoms, and solutions

Table of content

  1. Common clutch problems and symptoms
    1. Difficulty shifting gears
    2. Grinding gears
    3. Clutch noises
    4. Clutch sticking
    5. Poor acceleration
    6. Clutch pedal pulsates
    7. Clutch slipping
    8. Burning smell
    9. Slipping gears
  2. Signs your clutch is going
    1. How to tell if your clutch or gearbox has gone
  3. How can I take care of my clutch?

Over time your car clutch can become worn, rusty, misaligned, or damaged, making it more difficult to operate or leading to total failure. Being able to spot the signs of hydraulic clutch problems early on should help you to avoid accidents and more expensive repairs.

Common clutch problems and symptoms

Not everyone sees the red flags before the trouble starts. Many of these clutch problems and symptoms can show up out of the blue or be intermittent. It’s important that you act quickly and don’t ignore them to ensure smooth operation.

Now, let’s get down to business. Below you will find descriptions of the most common worn clutch symptoms and their usual causes and solutions. You’ll often experience more than one symptom at one time.

Common clutch problems and symptoms

Difficulty shifting gears

For example, if the clutch fails to disengage fully when the pedal is pressed down, it may make gear changes much harder or cause the engine to stall. In this case, the issue could be caused by a bad clutch linkage, a worn pressure plate or disc, a stretched or damaged cable, or hydraulic problems. Replace worn, damaged, or stretched components.

Grinding gears

In a manual transmission, the gears may start to grind when shifting (or only in certain gears) due to the clutch only partially engaging or disengaging, or rapid gear changes. In addition to the causes mentioned above, it could be due to a worn clutch release bearing. Make sure to avoid riding the clutch as this will make it worse.

LuK BR 0241 600 0017 00 Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, without pilot bearing, with flywheel, with screw set, Requires special tools for mounting, Dual-mass flywheel with friction control plate, with automatic adjustment
Reviews - 58
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with central slave cylinder, without pilot bearing
  • Product line: BR 0241
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with flywheel, with screw set, Requires special tools for mounting, Dual-mass flywheel with friction control plate
  • Adjustment: with automatic adjustment
  • Number of teeth (finding the max. clearance angle): 7
  • max. side clearance [mm]: 2,9
  • Max. Clearance Angle [Degree]: 18
  • Number of mounting bores: 6
  • LuK: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 600 0017 00
  • Our price: £ 306,42
  • Condition: New
Details
LuK Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, without pilot bearing, with flywheel, with screw set, Requires special tools for mounting, Dual-mass flywheel with friction control plate, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0017 00
£ 306,42
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO 837522 Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder, with screw set, with lock screw set, 235mm
Reviews - 30
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder
  • Number of Teeth: 26
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with screw set, with lock screw set
  • New Part
  • Weight [kg]: 20
  • Number of mounting bores: 6
  • Bore Diameter [mm]: 24
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 60
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 235
  • Preload Force [N]: 6700
  • Number of mounting bores at central slave cylinder: 3
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 837522
  • Our price: £ 376,93
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder, with screw set, with lock screw set, 235mm
Article number: 837522
£ 376,93
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK BR 0241 600 0238 00 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
Reviews - 34
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with pilot bearing
  • Product line: BR 0241
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with clutch release bearing, with release fork, with flywheel, with screw set, Requires special tools for mounting
  • Adjustment: with automatic adjustment
  • Number of teeth (finding the max. clearance angle): 7
  • max. side clearance [mm]: 2,9
  • Max. Clearance Angle [Degree]: 23
  • Number of mounting bores: 8
  • LuK: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 600 0238 00
  • Our price: £ 404,96
  • Condition: New
Details
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
£ 404,96
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
MANNOL HYDRO ISO 46 MN2102-10 Central Hydraulic Oil
Reviews - 11
Parts Details
  • Version: ISO 46
  • Capacity [litre]: 10
  • Packing Type: Canister
  • Product line: HYDRO
  • ISO viscosity class: VG 46
  • Oil: Mineral Oil
  • Specification: ISO 11158 HM, DIN 51524-2, AFNOR NF E 48-603, CONESTOGA ISO 20763, EATON I-286-S, MAG CINCINNATI P-68, MAG CINCINNATI P-69, MAG CINCINNATI P-70, PARKER DENISON HF-0, PARKER DENISON HF-1, PARKER DENISON HF-2, FilterabilityTP02100, SPERRY VICKERS, I-286-S3, US STEEL 126, US STEEL 127
  • MANNOL: Central Hydraulic Oil
  • Item number: MN2102-10
  • Our price: £ 28,17
  • Condition: New
Details
MANNOL Central Hydraulic Oil
Article number: MN2102-10
More
£ 28,17
£ 2,82 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Valvoline VE18320 Power steering fluid VW TL 52146 (G 00200, VW G004000M2, MB 345.0, GM B 040 0070, MAN M 3289, Volvo 1161529, Capacity: 1l
Reviews - 1
Parts Details
  • Recommendations: VW TL 52146 (G 00200, VW G004000M2, MB 345.0, GM B 040 0070, MAN M 3289, Volvo 1161529
  • Colour: Nato Olive
  • Capacity [litre]: 1
  • Valvoline: Power steering fluid
  • Item number: VE18320
  • Our price: £ 25,61
Details
Valvoline Power steering fluid VW TL 52146 (G 00200, VW G004000M2, MB 345.0, GM B 040 0070, MAN M 3289, Volvo 1161529, Capacity: 1l
Article number: VE18320
More
£ 25,61
£ 25,61 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

Clutch noises

You may also hear a squealing or grumbling sound as you press down on the pedal. Make sure to check the release and pivot bearings, as well as the clutch fork. Rattling sounds may indicate dual mass flywheel problems.

Clutch sticking

If the pedal or clutch is sticking, this is typically an indicator that the cable needs to be replaced or the clutch fluid is low or contaminated, causing the pedal to be spongy or stick to the floor. Change the fluid if necessary. Fill with new clutch fluid if necessary.

Poor acceleration

If the clutch isn’t properly transferring engine power to the wheels, you may experience sluggish or weak acceleration. This can be caused by several factors, including oil contamination, overheating, a worn disc or pressure plate, and a damaged or glazed flywheel.

Signs your clutch is going

Clutch pedal pulsates

The main culprits for a vibrating or pulsating clutch pedal are alignment issues, a damaged flywheel or clutch disc, and a faulty diaphragm spring. If the pressure is unevenly distributed or the parts are unstable, vibrations occur.

Clutch slipping

The mechanism can slip when the springs, bearings, clutch disc, flywheel, or pressure plate is worn as the parts fail to grip against each other and stay engaged. You may notice a sudden loss of power during acceleration or when climbing a hill.

Burning smell

If you can smell an odour like burnt rubber when driving, it could be the result of increased friction from a slipping clutch. This could lead to more wear and damage as the parts are overheating.

Slipping gears

For instance, if there’s a delay in engaging gears or the engine revs increase but the car’s speed doesn’t increase correspondingly, the gears are likely slipping. Check the hydraulic system for leaks and the car clutch components and electronics for wear or damage.

LuK 622 3096 33 Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, 220mm
Reviews - 26
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with central slave cylinder
  • Diameter [mm]: 220
  • for flywheel depth [mm]: 12,7
  • Hydraulic connector diameter [mm]: 13,3
  • LuK: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 622 3096 33
  • Our price: £ 96,03
  • Condition: New
Details
LuK Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, 220mm
Article number: 622 3096 33
£ 96,03
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
LuK 600 0308 00 Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, with flywheel, with screw set, with automatic adjustment
Reviews - 19
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with central slave cylinder
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with flywheel, with screw set
  • Adjustment: with automatic adjustment
  • Number of mounting bores: 8
  • LuK: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 600 0308 00
  • Our price: £ 536,88
  • Condition: New
Details
LuK Clutch kit with central slave cylinder, with flywheel, with screw set, with automatic adjustment
Article number: 600 0308 00
£ 536,88
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO FULLPACK DMF 837049 Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with screw set, with lock screw set, with clutch release bearing, 229mm
Reviews - 5
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with dual-mass flywheel
  • Number of Teeth: 10
  • Product line: FULLPACK DMF
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with screw set, with lock screw set, with clutch release bearing
  • New Part
  • Weight [kg]: 17,39
  • Number of mounting bores: 8
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 105
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 229
  • Preload Force [N]: 5400
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 837049
  • Our price: £ 379,75
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with screw set, with lock screw set, with clutch release bearing, 229mm
Article number: 837049
£ 379,75
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO KIT4P - CONVERSION KIT 835035 Clutch kit with single-mass flywheel, with clutch release bearing, 228mm
Reviews - 29
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with single-mass flywheel
  • Number of Teeth: 28
  • Product line: KIT4P - CONVERSION KIT
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with clutch release bearing
  • New Part
  • Hub Profile: 22,1 x 20,3
  • Weight [kg]: 15,6
  • Clutch: Conversion from dual-mass flywheel to single-mass flywheel, for vehicles with push type clutch
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 60
  • Tightening angle [degrees]: 50
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 228
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 835035
  • Our price: £ 228,09
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with single-mass flywheel, with clutch release bearing, 228mm
Article number: 835035
£ 228,09
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO 855201 Clutch kit with clutch release bearing, without release fork, 208mm, 208mm
Reviews - 1
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 208
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with clutch release bearing, without release fork
  • New Part
  • Hub Profile: 30 x 18 x 28 x 16
  • Weight [kg]: 7,59
  • Clutch: for vehicles with double disc clutch
  • for flywheel manufacturer: VALEO
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 208
  • Outer Diameter 2 [mm]: 208
  • Number of Teeth 1: 16
  • Number of Teeth 2: 28
  • Check OE number
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 855201
  • Our price: £ 829,10
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with clutch release bearing, without release fork, 208mm, 208mm
Article number: 855201
£ 829,10
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery

Signs your clutch is going

In summary, signs of a bad or failing clutch include difficulty changing gears or keeping the clutch engaged, sudden power losses and poor acceleration, a spongy or stuck pedal, a burning smell, abnormal clutch noises, and excessive vibrations from the pedal.

How to tell if your clutch or gearbox has gone

The symptoms of failure for the clutch and the gearbox are virtually the same. These may include shifting problems, slipping gears, a burning smell, and abnormal noises. With a manual gearbox, you may also hear a whining or humming sound while driving or in neutral, which usually indicates that the gears or bearings are worn.

How can I take care of my clutch?

Clutch maintenance tips:

  • Don’t leave your foot on the clutch pedal while driving as this will cause strain and increased wear.
  • Downshift gradually to avoid slippage and prevent frequent stalling.
  • Don’t use your clutch to brake!
  • Accelerate gradually when pulling off and make sure to shift to the correct gear.
  • Check the clutch fluid every two years or so.

Top products related to this topic:

AUTODOC Bestsellers: parts at a good price

VALEO FULLPACK DMF (CSC) 837397 Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder, with screw set, with lock screw set, Special tools for mounting not necessary, 241mm
Reviews - 17
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder
  • Number of Teeth: 23
  • Product line: FULLPACK DMF (CSC)
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with screw set, with lock screw set, Special tools for mounting not necessary
  • New Part
  • Weight [kg]: 17,98
  • Number of mounting bores: 6
  • Tightening Torque [Nm]: 60
  • Tightening angle [degrees]: 50
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 241
  • Preload Force [N]: 7200
  • only available in set
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 837397
  • Our price: £ 302,39
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with dual-mass flywheel, with central slave cylinder, with screw set, with lock screw set, Special tools for mounting not necessary, 241mm
Article number: 837397
£ 302,39
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VAG G004000M2 Power steering fluid Capacity: 1l
Reviews - 49
Parts Details
  • Capacity [litre]: 1
  • VAG: Power steering fluid
  • Item number: G004000M2
  • Our price: £ 23,73
Details
VAG Power steering fluid Capacity: 1l
Article number: G004000M2
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£ 23,73
£ 23,73 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-61%
SACHS 3000 950 019 Clutch kit 220mm
Reviews - 30
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 220
  • Number of Teeth: 28
  • for components see parts list
  • Observe service information
  • SACHS: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 3000 950 019
  • Our price: £ 87,75
  • Condition: New
Details
SACHS Clutch kit 220mm
Article number: 3000 950 019
compared to RRP £ 227,33

£ 87,75
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-16%
SACHS PERFORMANCE Performance 883089 000034 Clutch kit with clutch pressure plate, with single-mass flywheel, with pressure plate screws, for use in motor sport, without clutch release bearing, with clutch disc, 240mm
Reviews - 6
Parts Details
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info: with clutch pressure plate, with single-mass flywheel, with pressure plate screws, for use in motor sport
  • Diameter [mm]: 240
  • Number of Teeth: 23
  • Product line: Performance
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: without clutch release bearing, with clutch disc
  • Hub Profile: 21,8 x 24,2 - 23
  • Clutch: for vehicles with single disc clutch
  • Mounting Type: not pre-mounted
  • Max. transferable engine torque [Nm]: 530
  • Clutch Type: clutch disc with torsion springs with org. surfaces
  • SACHS PERFORMANCE: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 883089 000034
  • Our price: £ 1272,90
  • Condition: New
Details
SACHS PERFORMANCE Clutch kit with clutch pressure plate, with single-mass flywheel, with pressure plate screws, for use in motor sport, without clutch release bearing, with clutch disc, 240mm
Article number: 883089 000034
compared to RRP £ 1531,13

£ 1272,90
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-53%
SACHS 3000 951 019 Clutch kit 228mm
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 228
  • Number of Teeth: 26
  • Hub Profile: 32,5x35-26N
  • Clutch: for vehicles with double disc clutch
  • only available in set
  • SACHS: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 3000 951 019
  • Our price: £ 501,37
  • Condition: New
Details
SACHS Clutch kit 228mm
Article number: 3000 951 019
compared to RRP £ 1071,22

£ 501,37
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
SACHS PERFORMANCE Performance 881861 999809 Clutch Disc 240mm, Number of Teeth: 23
Parts Details
  • Number of Teeth: 23
  • Hub Profile: 21,8x24,2-23N
  • Parameter: 240TS
  • Diameter [mm]: 240
  • Max. transferable engine torque [Nm]: 600
  • Clutch Type: sintered disc with torsion springs
  • Product line: Performance
  • SACHS PERFORMANCE: Clutch Disc
  • Item number: 881861 999809
  • Our price: £ 405,41
  • Condition: New
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SACHS PERFORMANCE Clutch Disc 240mm, Number of Teeth: 23
Article number: 881861 999809
£ 405,41
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
TotalEnergies 2166224 Hydraulic Oil Capacity: 1l, Orange
Reviews - 35
Parts Details
  • Capacity [litre]: 1
  • Colour: Orange
  • Trim Level: Hydractive 3
  • TotalEnergies: Hydraulic Oil
  • Item number: 2166224
  • Our price: £ 14,54
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TotalEnergies Hydraulic Oil Capacity: 1l, Orange
Article number: 2166224
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£ 14,54
£ 14,54 for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
JAPANPARTS KF-566 Clutch kit 215mm
Reviews - 2
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 215
  • Number of Teeth: 20
  • Centering Diameter [mm]: 22
  • Inner Diameter [mm]: 138
  • Fitted Diameter [mm]: 263
  • JAPANPARTS: Clutch kit
  • Item number: KF-566
  • Our price: £ 159,55
  • Condition: New
Details
JAPANPARTS Clutch kit 215mm
Article number: KF-566
£ 159,55
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
LuK 627 3066 09 Clutch kit with automatic adjustment, 270mm
Parts Details
  • Diameter [mm]: 270
  • Adjustment: with automatic adjustment
  • LuK: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 627 3066 09
  • Our price: £ 222,30
  • Condition: New
Details
LuK Clutch kit with automatic adjustment, 270mm
Article number: 627 3066 09
£ 222,30
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
VALEO KIT3P 826211 Clutch kit with clutch release bearing, 200mm
Reviews - 11
Parts Details
  • Number of Teeth: 18
  • Product line: KIT3P
  • Supplementary Article / Supplementary Info Info 2: with clutch release bearing
  • New Part
  • Hub Profile: 20,97 x 18,2
  • Weight [kg]: 4, 4,02
  • Clutch: for vehicles with push type clutch
  • Clutch Pressure Plate Outer Diameter [mm]: 200
  • Preload Force [N]: 3850
  • VALEO: Clutch kit
  • Item number: 826211
  • Our price: £ 90,35
  • Condition: New
Details
VALEO Clutch kit with clutch release bearing, 200mm
Article number: 826211
£ 90,35
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs

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