What does the clutch plate/disc do?
The clutch plate (or clutch disc) is part of the clutch system in manual vehicles. It is located between the flywheel and pressure plate. The clutch plate is a metal disc, with a lining that creates friction, similar to a brake pad.
Inside your clutch, the clutch plate is constantly making contact with the flywheel. The flywheel is a component that spins rapidly, transferring engine power into the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is applied, the pressure plates that hold the clutch plate/disc in place are released. This causes the clutch plate to lose contact with the flywheel, interrupting the transmission and allowing the driver to change gears.
Common causes of a failing clutch plate/disc:
A burnt clutch disc
Worn clutch plate – Like most other mechanical components, the clutch plate or disc can be prone to wear over time. The clutch plate can become worn, bent or cracked, reducing its effectiveness. A worn clutch plate will result in trouble engaging and disengaging the clutch.
Loose/missing springs – The clutch plate’s springs can become loose. This can cause the clutch to vibrate or produce audible noises.
Overheating – The clutch disc can overheat, causing the friction material to burn. This is often caused by strain on the clutch or slipping of the clutch.
Incorrect installation – An incorrect installation/modification of the clutch can cause the clutch plate to not work correctly.
Failing clutch plate/disc symptoms
Symptoms of a failing clutch plate include:
- Difficulty shifting gears: You may experience difficulty shifting gears or notice that the shifter feels stiff or hard to move.
- Clutch slipping: The clutch may start to slip, meaning that the engine will rev but the vehicle will not accelerate as it should.
- Burning smell: A burning smell may be noticeable, which is caused by the clutch slipping and overheating.
- Noisy clutch: The clutch may make a loud noise when it is engaged or disengaged.
- Clutch vibrations: You may feel a vibration or shaking when you press the clutch pedal
Driving with a damaged clutch plate can cause more serious and expensive damage to your car’s transmission. For this reason, we recommend that you bring your car to a mechanic for a clutch inspection/replacement as soon as possible.
Taking care of your clutch
Incorrect use of the clutch can increase the likelihood of problems. There are several things you can do while you are driving to extend the life of your clutch. These include:
- Always start accelerating your vehicle in first gear
- Avoiding aggressive downshifts
- Trying not to skip gears
- Changing gears smoothly
- Do not ride the clutch, to make it slip unnecessarily
Clutch Plate/Disc Inspection & Replacement in Hamilton
Do you think that your clutch plate needs to be replaced? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our proven mechanics are skilled in all sorts of clutch plate related services. This allows us to accurately diagnose and fix problems in your car’s transmission system.
When the clutch plate begins to fail, it can cause the clutch to overheat more often, causing increased damage and wear to surrounding components. For this reason, we recommend you act fast to keep your repair bill low and your clutch healthy. For honest, efficient, reliable clutch replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today.