When you drive a manual transmission, you rely on the clutch to shift gears. If you take good care of your clutch, such as having it adjusted every 6,000 miles, you may be able to rely on it for 100,000 miles or more. HQ Autosport is going to list the signs below that your Volkswagen or other German automobile’s clutch is going out. The sooner we inspect the clutch the easier the repair.
Grinding Noises
If your VW is the first manual transmission you have driven, you likely had problems shifting the gears at first. You probably heard grinding noises every time you shifted the gears. Once you got the hang of it, though, the gear shifting was smooth. If you hear grinding sounds again when you shift gears, this is an indication that the clutch is going out and needs to be replaced.
Shifting Problems
Aside from the grinding noises, you may also have problems shifting through the gear cycle. In other words, it will feel as if your Volkswagen is fighting you every time you try to shift gears. The gear shifting should be smooth and seamless; if it isn’t, there’s a problem with the clutch.
Hesitation
When you press down on the clutch, the power that the engine is generating is transferred to the transmission. This helps the transmission move the drivetrain and turn the wheels. If there is hesitation when you release the clutch for your vehicle to accelerate, this power transfer is incomplete and you need to have your clutch adjusted or replaced.
High Catch Point
Another time in which you need to have your clutch adjusted or replaced is if the catch point gets higher. This happens frequently when a clutch is going bad. The point at which the clutch catches will move upward.
Hot Odors
If you smell hot odors coming from your Volkswagen’s clutch, the clutch is slipping. This means that even though your foot is still pressing down on the clutch pedal, the clutch is not staying engaged. This is an indication that the internal mechanisms have worn out and the clutch needs to be repaired.
Sponginess
Finally, if your clutch pedal feels spongy or sinks all the way to the floor without catching, it needs to be replaced. Your clutch should always give you resistance when you press down on it. You should also always feel the catch point.
Call HQ Autosport in Escondido, CA, today to schedule an appointment for your Volkswagen or other German automobile if you are having problems with the clutch.
