samjabori

How can I tell if the clutch needs replacement? Is it the slipping? How does it feel?

3ngin33r1

You'll know when it needs to be replaced.

RedY2KS2k

Different clutch problems have different symptoms.

On my '94 Integra, I knew I needed to replace the clutch when the pedal would sometimes fight back so hard I couldn't disengage the clutch enough to take the car out of gear, much less shift into another one. It didn't slip at all, but I definitely had to replace it.

That decision didn't require a rocket scientist. I figured it out all by myself.

RazorV3

when the car doesnt accelerate linearly to engine rpm

RACER

Drive up a steep hill at about 55-65 mph in 4th, 5th, or 6th gear with the throttle all the way to the floor. This scenario will tell you if your clutch is bad.

Typically a clutch will slip in the taller gears first, then gradually begin to slip in the lower gears.

cyber_x

I have the same question. In the last week, my clutch has slipped in 1st gear on two separate occasions. Once was after some stop-and-go traffic, and the second time was just during normal city driving. I've also noticed the following symptoms...

* When I upshift, I can hear a slight "whoosh" sound when engaging the clutch. It's hard to describe the exact noise, but it sounds sort of like something is decelerating.

* I feel like I need to ride the clutch longer and/or apply more throttle to get the car moving.

Does this sound like my clutch is near death? The two bulleted items above I experience all the time, but the outright slipping in 1st gear has only happened twice so far. Thanks for entertaining my stupid question...

RACER

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cyber_x
I have the same question.

cyber_x

Thanks...one last question - is it fair to say that clutch wear will show in higher gears for the vast majority of the time? Reason I ask is, I have never had slippage in any gear other than 1st. Just curious...thanks a lot.

RACER

That is kind of odd as a clutch will typically slip in a higher gear before it will slip in a lower gear. The reason why is because it takes more power or torque to turn a higher gear than it does to turn a lower gear. It takes LESS power or torque to turn a lower gear therefore, 1st gear is usually the last gear a clutch will not lock in.

If your clutch is slipping in 1st gear but not 5th or 6th, I assume it is not disengaging properly. This would be a mechanical malfunction, nothing to do with the lining on the clutch disk.

Try going up a very steep hill in 5th at about 50 mph and put the throttle pedal to the floor. If it doesn't slip, the lining on the clutch disk is fine.

I would have to drive the vehicle to make a determination on what the problem is.

My .02 RACER

cyber_x

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RACER
That is kind of odd as a clutch will typically slip in a higher gear before it will slip in a lower gear.