How to diagnose clutch issues on a manual transmission

August 12, 2011 12:00 AM

Many drivers prefer the feel of a manual transmission over the more popular automatics, but for all their benefits, manuals typically require extra maintenance. Specifically, drivers may encounter a problem with their clutch, which is the lynchpin of the whole system.

As time goes on, the clutch is subject to wear and tear. Past 60,000 miles, it's likely your clutch will start to give you some trouble, reports Yahoo Autos. However, if your car is newer than that, it could be one of several other factors.

For example, one common problem is oil leaks. If you end up with an oil leak, the black gunk can contaminate your clutch linings and pretty much completely ruin them. Not only will you have to fix the leak, but you'll also need a new clutch disk - just make sure you fix the leak first.

There's also the possibility that your clutch has simply worn down, whether it's a loss of tension in the pressure plates or a grinding on the main face of the part. Replacing the clutch disk should solve this problem.

While you're at it, you might want to consider brake service and repair for your vehicle. A brand-new clutch isn't worth much if your brakes are worn down, as this problem can negatively affect your transmission and make it difficult to shift gears.

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