Although cars with manual transmissions are becoming rarer by the day, there is still a steady demand for them among those who appreciate the ‘old’ way of shifting gears. That feeling of complete connection with the car comes at the cost of maintenance. Manual clutches wear out over time. Their service life depends on the quality of the clutch, but also on the skill of the driver. 

If you have a manual car that is suddenly not driving as well as it used to, you could be dealing with a worn clutch. In this guide, we’ll discuss ways to diagnose a worn clutch, what causes it to fail, and what symptoms to look out for. 

How Does a Manual Clutch Work?

A clutch is a device that allows you to smoothly engage or disengage power from the engine to the transmission. In a manual car, the engine is connected to the transmission by a clutch.

When the clutch pedal is pressed down, a plate called the pressure plate is released from the engine’s flywheel, which disconnects the engine from the transmission. This allows you to shift gears without damaging the transmission.

When the clutch pedal is released, the pressure plate applies pressure to a disc called the clutch plate, which is sandwiched between the pressure plate and the flywheel. This causes the clutch plate to spin at the same speed as the engine’s flywheel, transmitting power to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels.

The clutch also allows for some “slip” when necessary, such as when the car is starting from a stop or when shifting gears. This prevents the engine from stalling and allows for smooth acceleration.

How Long Does an Average Clutch Last?

The lifespan of a manual clutch can vary greatly depending on various factors such as driving style, road conditions, and the type of clutch used. On average, a manual clutch can last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles (80,000 to 160,000 kilometers) or more, depending on these factors.

Driving habits such as frequent stop-and-go traffic, aggressive acceleration, or hard shifting can cause a clutch to wear out faster. On the other hand, smooth and gentle driving can extend the life of the clutch. The type of clutch used also affects its lifespan, with high-performance clutches typically having a shorter lifespan than standard clutches.

Regular maintenance such as keeping the clutch fluid topped up, inspecting the clutch for wear, and replacing worn parts can also help prolong the life of a clutch. If your clutch is reaching the end of its service life, head over to our store and find a wide range of high quality clutch kits for your car!

What Causes a Manual Clutch to Fail? 

Manual clutch failure can be caused by various factors such as a worn clutch disc, faulty release bearing, contaminated clutch, or worn pressure plate. Regular maintenance such as checking for leaks, replacing worn parts, and inspecting the clutch can help prevent clutch failure and ensure the longevity of the clutch. Here is a more detailed breakdown of these main causes. 

Worn Clutch Disc

One of the most common causes of clutch failure is a worn clutch disc. The clutch disc is the component that connects the engine to the transmission, and over time, it can wear out due to constant friction. A worn clutch disc can cause the clutch to slip or not engage properly, leading to failure.

Faulty Clutch Release Bearing

Another common cause of clutch failure is a faulty clutch release bearing. The release bearing is responsible for disengaging the clutch when the pedal is pressed. Over time, the release bearing can wear out, leading to failure. A faulty release bearing can cause the clutch to make a grinding noise, slip, or not engage properly.

Contaminated Clutch

A contaminated clutch can also lead to failure. Contamination can occur when oil or other fluids leak onto the clutch, causing it to slip or not engage properly. Contamination can also occur due to a faulty rear main seal or a leaking transmission input shaft seal.

Worn Clutch Pressure Plate

The clutch pressure plate is responsible for applying pressure to the clutch disc, allowing it to engage with the engine’s flywheel. Over time, the pressure plate can wear out and no longer be able to apply the right amount of pressure on the clutch disc. This also causes slipping issues. 

Most Common Symptoms of a Worn Clutch

When it comes to symptoms of a worn clutch, they are rarely ambiguous. As the clutch wears out, you’ll begin to notice occasional slipping when you accelerate with any conviction. The worse it gets, the more slippage you’ll notice. That said, clutch slipping isn’t the only symptom to look out for. Here’s a well-rounded list. 

Difficulty Shifting Gears

One of the main symptoms of a worn clutch is difficulty shifting gears. If you find it hard to shift gears or the gear shift feels stiff, it could be a sign of a worn clutch. This is because the clutch isn’t engaging properly, making it difficult to shift gears.

Slipping Clutch

A slipping clutch is another common symptom of a worn clutch. This occurs when the clutch fails to engage properly, causing the engine to rev higher than usual without increasing the car’s speed. This can also happen when accelerating uphill, or when carrying a heavy load. A slipping clutch can cause further damage to the clutch if not addressed promptly.

Burning Smell

A burning smell could be an indication of a worn clutch. When a clutch slips, it generates heat due to friction, causing a burning smell. This smell is similar to that of burning paper or a burning clutch plate, and it’s an indication that the clutch is failing.

Clutch Pedal Feels Spongy

If the clutch pedal feels spongy or soft, it could be a sign of a worn clutch. This could be caused by air in the hydraulic system or a failing clutch pressure plate.

How Long Can You Drive on a Worn Clutch? 

The amount of time you can drive on a worn clutch depends on several factors, including the severity of the wear, driving conditions, and your driving habits. In some cases, a worn clutch can last for a few hundred miles, while in others, it may only last for a few miles before it fails completely.

Continuing to drive on a worn clutch can cause further damage to the clutch components, such as the pressure plate or the flywheel, and can lead to a complete clutch failure. A failed clutch can render your vehicle inoperable and could potentially cause an accident if it fails while driving.

In addition to potential safety hazards, driving on a worn clutch can also cause other issues such as reduced fuel efficiency and poor performance. A worn clutch can cause the engine to work harder, which can increase fuel consumption and decrease performance.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Clutch?

The cost of replacing a clutch on a car can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the make and model of the vehicle, the location where the repair is performed, and the type of clutch being installed.

On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a clutch replacement. However, this cost can go up significantly if other parts of the transmission system need to be replaced or if the labor costs are high.

Of course, you can save a lot of money if you decide to replace the clutch yourself. However, be aware that this is rarely a simple job on any car. That said, it could be a fun DIY weekend project if you have all the tools and the necessary instructions on how to do this job on your car. 

Get Quality Clutch Kits at Newparts.com

If you’re dealing with a worn clutch, you probably know how annoying it can get and how tedious it can be to fix. Using high-quality clutch kits is the only way to fix this problem in the long term. Head over to our store, select your vehicle from the drop-down list, and find a list of clutch components made by some of the best names in the industry!