The car’s clutch is subjected to great stress every time it is driven. It is hardly surprising that the wearing part will break down at some point. In our guide, you can find out what symptoms occur when the clutch is broken and when it is advisable to go to the workshop. We also tell you what you should keep in mind when driving to avoid damage to the clutch.

How the clutch works in the car

The clutch in a car is the link between the engine and the gearbox. When the clutch is closed, a clutch disc is pressed against the engine flywheel by the pressure of a diaphragm spring and via the clutch pressure plate. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch opens and interrupts the transmission of power between the two components. Only then is it possible to change gear and start the car.

Operation of the clutch

The method of operating the clutch may differ depending on the vehicle. It is often operated by a clutch cable that transmits power from the clutch pedal to the clutch mechanism. Modern cars often have a hydraulically operated clutch, and some models also have an electronic actuator.

Clutch on manual transmission is a classic wearing part

In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the clutch is subject to constant wear. The driver has to use the clutch every time he changes gear, and starting off with a manual gearstick also requires stepping on the clutch pedal. This means that the material on the clutch lining wears out constantly every time the driver shifts into a gear and every time the vehicle starts off.

Coupling service life – how long do couplings last?

Normally, clutches in cars last a very long time. As a rule, the component only needs to be replaced after well over 100,000 kilometres of mileage. However, various factors can promote wear, so that clutch damage occurs sooner. In this case, it is often unavoidable to have the clutch replaced in the workshop.

Defective clutch – these symptoms occur

If the clutch is broken, various symptoms can indicate the defect. A worn clutch lining often manifests itself through the so-called slipping of the clutch. Due to wear, the frictional connection between the engine and the gearbox is no longer established correctly. The engine speed increases without the vehicle accelerating further.

• Clutch slips
• Engine howls loudly
• Jerking when starting and accelerating
• Noises when clutching or shifting gears
• Gear cannot be engaged
• Clutch pedal is sluggish
• Fuel consumption is increased
• Smell of burnt coating

Defective clutch – further signs of clutch damage

Depending on the type of defect, other symptoms may also occur when the clutch is broken. These include jerking when starting or accelerating. Unusual noises when clutching and changing gears can also indicate a defective clutch. Such signs can appear when the clutch no longer separates the engine and transmission properly.

Unusual smell or no gear

In some cases, the engine consumes more fuel if the clutch is defective. An unpleasant burnt smell can also be a sign of a defective clutch. Depending on which parts of the clutch are broken, other problems can occur. In the worst case, it is no longer possible to engage a gear, or the clutch pedal is sluggish.

Typical causes – this is why the clutch is defective

If the clutch is broken, there are various possible causes for the defect. On the one hand, all parts of the clutch wear out over time. This includes above all the lining on the clutch disc, which is stressed with every gear change. However, the use of the vehicle and the driving style of the driver also have an influence on the service life of the clutch.

• Wear due to high mileage
• Driving with heavy loads or trailers
• Driving in stop-go traffic
• Driving style is sporty
• Driver does not fully depress the clutch pedal
• Foot rests on the clutch pedal while driving
• Depressing the clutch pedal at traffic lights
• Slipping the clutch
• Starting with high engine speed

Driving style influences the wear of the clutch

Often the clutch breaks down or wears out prematurely because drivers do not operate a car with a clutch and manual transmission properly. For example, components such as the clutch disc wear excessively if the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. A sporty driving style can also be the cause of heavy wear.

Clutch broken due to bad habits

The driver’s foot should not rest on the clutch pedal while driving so that the clutch is always fully closed. Also, the pedal should not be held down steadily at traffic lights instead of taking the car out of gear. Frequent and heavy acceleration or so-called cavalier starts can also cause the clutch to break down.

Wear due to load or stop and go traffic

In addition to the individual driving style, the respective use of the vehicle can also lead to premature clutch damage. For example, the components of the clutch are subjected to greater stress when a car is moved with a heavy load. The same applies when operating the car with a trailer. Stop and go traffic in the morning can also promote clutch wear and cause defects due to frequent starting.

Change defective clutch

If there are first signs of a broken clutch, it should be tested and replaced if necessary. Although the clutch has no direct influence on driving safety, it should be replaced promptly. Otherwise, further problems could occur at any time, or the vehicle could unexpectedly come to a standstill with clutch damage.

Procedure for changing the coupling

If the engine and gearbox are installed transversely, the approach is different from that for an engine installed longitudinally. As a rule, however, the engine and transmission must always be separated. Since this is not easy, the repair is usually carried out in the workshop. Only experienced and skilled car mechanics carry out repairs to the clutch themselves.

Replacing the clutch on the rear-wheel drive

1. Test the clutch: Before starting the repair, make sure that the clutch is defective. To do this, the car can be subjected to a short test. Whether the clutch is slipping is sometimes tested by pulling the handbrake and letting the clutch out. If the clutch is still OK, the engine stops.
2. Prepare for repair: To carry out repairs on the clutch, a lifting platform is often helpful. After lifting the car, it is often necessary to loosen parts of the panelling. This may be necessary to get to the transmission block or the cardan shaft more easily.
3. Pull off the gearbox: In order to be able to remove the gearbox block from the engine, some brackets and screw connections must first be loosened. Depending on the model, first remove the cardan shaft or unhook the gearshift linkage. In the meantime, the transmission unit can be supported with a transmission jack. Once everything is done, the gearbox unit can be detached.
4. Change the clutch: After pulling the gearbox off the engine block, the gearbox bell releases the clutch so that the clutch can be changed. The clutch is then removed and inspected. It is often a good idea to install a complete clutch kit that includes all components as well as the clutch disc.
5. Installing the clutch: The new clutch or clutch kit is installed next in place of the defective components. This often requires special tools, such as a centring pin for clutch assembly. The transmission unit can then be put back on and the repair completed. After all the components have been fitted, a test is carried out.

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