The automobile clutch is an important part of the car, and its main role is to connect or cut off the power transmission between the engine and the transmission system. During the use of the car, the clutch may malfunction, affecting the normal use of the vehicle. The following introduces the working principle, common faults and symptoms of automobile clutches, so that car owners can understand the causes of failures and treatment methods to ensure driving safety.
The working principle of the clutch is mainly to use the friction principle to make the power transmission of the engine and transmission system open and close as needed. When the clutch is engaged, the power of the engine is transmitted to the transmission system through the clutch to drive the car to drive;When the clutch disengages, the engine and drivetrain separate, cutting off power transmission to protect the engine from damage.
Common clutch failures and their symptoms
1.Clutch slippage.
Clutch slippage is one of the most common clutch failures. When the clutch slips, the driver will feel that the pressure on the clutch pedal is significantly reduced, and it is difficult to engage the gear, and at the same time, he will also feel that the vehicle does not accelerate smoothly, the speed cannot be raised, and the engine speed rises but the speed does not increase. If the clutch slips severely, it will also cause the vehicle to not start and drive properly.
The reasons for clutch slippage may be severe wear of the clutch plates, loose clutch pressure plate, insufficient clutch oil, or aging of the clutch assembly, etc. To diagnose clutch slip faults, it can be judged by neutral gear test, brake test, handbrake pull test, clutch pedal lift test, and observation of clutch pedal.
2.The clutch disengagement is not complete.
Incomplete clutch disengagement is also one of the common failures of clutches. When the clutch is not fully disengaged, the driver will feel that it is difficult to engage the gear, there will be a noticeable frustration when changing gears, and the acceleration of the vehicle will also be affected.
The reason for incomplete clutch disengagement may be severe wear of the clutch plate, too tight clutch pressure plate, insufficient clutch oil or aging of the clutch assembly. To diagnose the fault of incomplete clutch disengagement, it can be judged by observing the movement of the clutch pedal and using a special tool to check the disengagement gap of the clutch.
3.Clutch squeak.
Clutch squeak is one of the common faults of clutches. When the clutch makes an abnormal noise, the driver will hear a "squeak" sound, especially when the vehicle is starting, changing gears or driving.
The cause of clutch abnormal noise may be severe clutch plate wear, loose clutch pressure plate, insufficient clutch oil or aging clutch assembly. To diagnose clutch squeak faults, you can judge by observing the movement of the clutch pedal and using special tools to check the disengagement gap of the clutch.
4.Clutch fluttering.
Clutch flutter is one of the common faults of clutches. When the clutch flutters, the driver will feel a noticeable vibration sensation on the clutch pedal and the body while the vehicle is moving, especially during the vehicle starting, shifting gears or driving.
The cause of clutch flutter may be severe wear of the clutch plates, loose clutch pressure plate, insufficient clutch oil, or aging of the clutch assembly. To diagnose clutch flutter faults, it can be judged by observing the movement of the clutch pedal, using a special tool to check the clutch release clearance, etc.
When the clutch fails, the owner can take the following measures to deal with it:
1.Replace the clutch plates.
The clutch plate is an important part of the clutch, if the clutch plate is seriously worn, it will lead to symptoms such as clutch slippage, incomplete separation, abnormal noise, and flutter. Therefore, when the owner finds that the clutch plate is seriously worn, the clutch plate needs to be replaced in time to ensure the normal operation of the clutch.
2.Replace the clutch pressure plate.
The clutch pressure plate is one of the important parts of the clutch, if the clutch pressure plate is loose, it will lead to incomplete clutch disengagement, abnormal sound and other symptoms. Therefore, when the owner finds that the clutch pressure plate is loose, the clutch pressure plate needs to be replaced in time to ensure the normal operation of the clutch.
3.Replace the clutch assembly.
The clutch assembly is one of the important parts of the clutch, if the clutch assembly is aged or damaged, it will lead to symptoms such as clutch slippage, incomplete separation, and abnormal noise. Therefore, when the owner finds that the clutch assembly is aging or damaged, the clutch assembly needs to be replaced in time to ensure the normal operation of the clutch.
4.Change the clutch oil.
Clutch oil is an important lubricant for clutches, and if the clutch oil is insufficient, it will lead to symptoms such as clutch slippage and incomplete disengagement. Therefore, when the owner finds that the clutch oil is insufficient, the clutch oil needs to be added or replaced in time to ensure the normal operation of the clutch.
It should be noted that the clutch is one of the important parts of the car, and if the clutch fails, it needs to be dealt with in time. If the owner is not sure whether the clutch is faulty, he can choose to go to a professional repair shop for inspection and repair. At the same time, car owners also need to regularly inspect and maintain various parts of the car to ensure the normal use of the vehicle and driving safety.