Does your car slip when starting or not accelerate properly? If so, the clutch disc could be worn. The clutch disc is a crucial component in a car’s drivetrain and its job is to transfer engine torque to the transmission’s input shaft. If the clutch disc is worn, it can cause drivability problems.
In this article we will explain how you can tell if the clutch disc is worn out and what to do if this is the case.
Components of the clutch disc
The clutch disc of a car consists of four main components:
- Clutch pressure plate: Exerts pressure on the friction plate using a spring or diaphragm.
- Pressure plate: Interrupts and restores the flow of power from the engine to the transmission.
- Friction plate: Is equipped with friction linings so that the transmission can operate smoothly when the clutch is operated.
- Release bearing: Presses against the diaphragm spring to release the tension and interrupt the flow of power.
Types of couplings
Couplings can be classified according to various criteria.
According to the number of clutch discs:
- Hydraulic clutch: Without discs, typical for commercial vehicles.
- Single-disk clutch: Has only one disc and is the most commonly used clutch in vehicles.
- Twin-disk clutch: With two discs, often used in motorcycles.
- Multi-disc clutch: Consists of several discs, only available in motorcycles.
According to the type of cooling:
- Dry clutch: Cooled by air.
- Wet clutch: Cooled by oil.
According to the type of pressure mechanism used to operate the clutch:
- Spring clutch: Springs on the edge of the clutch disc exert the necessary pressure.
- Centrifugal clutch: In cars with automatic transmission, where engagement and disengagement is done automatically by centrifugal weights that are activated by the rotation of the engine.
- Diaphragm coupling: Does not use springs, but a carbon steel diaphragm with elastic properties.
The most important classification is based on the type of control:
- Hydraulic clutch: Works like an automatic clutch and allows the engine torque to be transmitted at a specific speed.
- Mechanical friction clutch: The most common type in cars, consisting of a flywheel, a bronze bushing and the input shaft of the transmission.
- Electromagnetic clutch: Uses the power of an electromagnetic field to transmit torque.
Symptoms of a defective clutch disc
The clutch disc should usually be replaced after about 150,000 kilometers. However, there are some symptoms that may indicate that the clutch disc is worn:
- Strange noises when depressing the clutch pedal: Often grinding or squeaking noises. This may indicate a worn joint bushing or a defective release bearing. If a noise becomes louder when depressing the pedal, especially at low speed or in reverse, the release bearing should be replaced.
- Noises when idling: These often disappear when the clutch is slowly operated without accelerating. The clutch fork may be damaged.
- Clutch does not disengage: The damper of the disc wears out and is damaged by engaging the clutch at very high speeds.
- Clutch slipping: In this case, the engine revs high, but the car does not accelerate as usual. This is because the clutch is slipping and not transferring power properly.
These symptoms are good indicators of whether the clutch disc is worn.
Prices for buying gearboxes: What you need to know
Prices for purchasing transmissions can vary considerably depending on the type of vehicle, manufacturer and condition. New transmissions are usually more expensive but offer the advantage of a longer lifespan and warranty. Used or reconditioned transmissions are less expensive but quality and remaining lifespan can vary. It is important to compare different options and suppliers before purchasing to find the best value for money.
FC Trading bietet eine breite Auswahl an Getrieben fÞr Autos, Lkw, Busse und Industriefahrzeuge an. Egal, ob Du ein neues oder generalÞberholtes Getriebe benÃķtigst, wir haben die passende LÃķsung fÞr Dich. Kontaktiere uns unter der Nummer +49 170 4080710 oder per E-Mail an info@fctrading.de to learn more about what we offer and to find the right gearbox for your vehicle.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the symptoms above, it is important to take your car to the shop to have it checked. A worn clutch disc can cause serious driving problems and in some cases even cause an accident.
