Car Clutch kit
Clutch kit for car brands
Clutch set: useful information
How to detect clutch kit malfunction
The unit is diagnosed in several stages. First, check its workability with the engine off. For this purpose, repeatedly press the clutch pedal and listen. Extraneous sounds, such as knocks, squeaks and rattle indicate wear of clutch elements.
After that, start and warm up the engine, then press the clutch pedal and shift the reverse gear. Unusual sounds indicate wear of the clutch driven plate or the pressure plate. Their fault may also be suspected when, if the accelerator is pressed in the third gear, the engine revs increase, but the vehicle gains speed slowly. If the noise, knocks and rattle are heard with clutch disengaged, the clutch release bearing is likely to have failed. To localize the failure more precisely, and to determine the degree of components wear, seek help of specialists.
You may notice that the clutch kit may need diagnostics by the following symptoms:
- the pedal vibrates when the clutch is engaged;
- gear shifting is difficult;
- fuel consumption increased;
- smell of burning in the passenger compartment;
- the engine overheats more frequently.
The reasons of clutch kit malfunction
Premature failure of system elements is often caused by incorrect use of the vehicle, including aggressive driving style. Abrupt starts, especially at high rpm, too fast or too slow releasing the clutch pedal can greatly reduce the service life of the driven plate, in particular, of its friction linings. Frequent driving of a fully loaded vehicle on roads with poor surface also creates higher load on the unit, causing premature wear of its components.
The clutch release bearing is also severely affected by the habit of holding the clutch pedal in the pressed condition, for example, while waiting for green light. To avoid premature destruction of the component, in such cases it is recommended to always switch to the neutral gear.
Failure to replace the driven plate in due time, and critical level of wear of its lining are the reason of faulty pressure plate; while using a damaged release bearing increases the risk of deforming the release fingers of the diaphragm spring in the clutch cover assembly. Incorrect operation of the unit may also be caused by friction linings oiling caused by damaged seals of the engine or the gearbox.
Poor quality components are prone to scuffing, and, as a rule, have the short service life. Therefore, to ensure long and failure-free operation of your vehicle, always buy parts from well-known manufacturers.
Clutch kit replacement
To install a clutch kit, you will need an inspection pit or a car service ramp, and a set of special tools. The installation process is rather complicated and time-consuming, and involves dismantling of the gearbox. Besides, it is important to properly install and align the clutch driven plate on the shaft of the gearbox, and to tighten the bolts with certain torque.
The procedure of replacement depends on the design of the vehicle, in particular on its drive type. More detailed instructions can be found in the technical documentation to the vehicle. However, if you have no relevant experience and skills, it is better to entrust servicing to qualified service personnel.