99% of cars sold in Canada indeed have an automatic transmission. But every car, stick shift or automatic, has a clutch working behind the scenes.
The clutch is one of the essential parts of any vehicle, and clutch failure is a serious problem. But many people don’t realize how a clutch works or what might cause it to break down. It’s important to understand what could cause a clutch to break down.
Want to know what makes a clutch break down? We’ve put together this list of some of the most common causes of failure to help you understand the issue.
Leaking Cylinders
Your clutch requires fluid running through its systems to work. When the fluid leaks out, your clutch may not be able to build up enough pressure, and therefore, won’t work correctly.
If you notice any mysterious puddles forming under your vehicle, it’s a sure sign you could have a leakage. A smell similar to burnt oil is another sign of leaking cylinders.
Both master and slave cylinders can spring a leak, so be on the lookout. You’ll need to get clutch repair immediately if you notice this issue.
Broken Cables Are The Most Common Cause Of Clutch Failure
Cables connect the clutch to their linkages. Essentially, when you press down on the clutch, tension runs through the cable and activates the clutch system. This is a critical clutch component, and the whole system breaks down without it.
Cables can fail in several ways. They can break completely, which causes complete failure. In other cases, they can become slack, meaning tension no longer travels along with the cables.
You likely won’t be aware of this issue from the outside. But since damaged cables are one of the most common causes of clutch failure, if your clutch suddenly stops working, you can guess this might be the reason.
Worn Pressure Plates
Pressure plates are another key component of the clutch system. They connect flywheels with clutch discs. When they can’t apply enough pressure, they can’t do their jobs, and you need to seek out a clutch repair shop.
These plates are put under a lot of pressure throughout daily driving. So, it’s expected that they’ll wear down over time.
A squeaking sound is one of the tell-tale signs of a damaged pressure plate. Alternatively, you may feel a rattle when applying the clutch. That’s because the disc may spin freely against the flywheel when not held in place by the plate.
Let Us Help
All of these issues are exacerbated by a lack of maintenance. When a clutch is poorly maintained, clutch failure is more likely to occur. By having expert technicians keep your clutch in good shape, you’ll stay safe on the road and avoid the bill for costly replacements.
Whether you’re looking for regular maintenance or clutch replacement in Edmonton, we can help. Dot Transmissions has years of experience and can keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact Dot Transmissions today for all your vehicular needs.
