I am a new 5 spd driver and I am worried always about wearing out my clutch. I hear a tell tale sign of it going is it slipping. Can someone explain both technically what is happening, and also how I would know if mine is indeed slipping because for all I know it is, and I just think its normal! Thanks!

Derek

 

the pressure plate is no longer applying enough force to the friction disc to clamp down so it spins or the friction disc is worn or dirty so it spins. Either way the friction disc is spinning between the flywheel and pressure plate

 

What does this feel like while driving is what Im really getting at...how would I know if my clutch is slipping?

Derek

 

You will notice the slipping more when your shifting 'quick' and the engagement feels (and engine sounds) 'lazy' or the engine 'wines' out. The more it slips the less peformance you will get. You will know its definetly worn when you engage the clutch, hit the gas, your revs climb and you feel like your going no where.

 

Also a way to know if its gone is u can drop the clutch while in 1st and the car wont move. U can rev it to redline and it will just barley start to crawl forwad. Ive driven onle like this be4 and its not something id want to do again. After u stop and get out you'll be greeted by the foul odor of a burnt clutch.

 

Take her out on the hwy, in 3rd or 4th punch like your going to redliner it. Around peak horse you'll notice the revs start accelerting up and the car isn't pulling as strong anymore.... Its hard to describe, but you'll know something isn't right if your clutch is fried.... When your driving "hard" and its like the clutch lets go at higher rpms you know you should have ordered a new one about two weeks go