What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Clutch In Your Volkswagen?

The job of a transmission is to transfer the mechanical power generated by the engine to the driveshaft and wheels. The clutch is a kind of connecting link between the engine and transmission. Its job is to engage and disengage the engine with the gearbox. It enables the driver to change the gears without any interruption. It has two main components a clutch plate and the flywheel. Failure of such a vital part could disrupt the power supply to the wheel which could bring your vehicle to a halt in the middle of nowhere. So, signs of clutch failure in your Volkswagen should not be neglected. Let's have a brief discussion about the causes and signs of clutch failure in a vehicle.

What are the causes of clutch failure?

Broken cable

It connects the clutch pedal with the clutch linkages. When you press the clutch pedal it will disengage the clutch so that you can set the gears. However, a worn-out or broken cable fails to serve its purpose as a result of which the clutch might not work.

Leaks

A hydraulic clutch needs an adequate amount of fluid to operate smoothly. Unavailability of a sufficient amount of fluid due to leaks in the cylinder could make the clutch dysfunctional. So, fix the cracks in the system responsible for the drainage of fluid.

Worn-out components

The clutch is a complex mechanical device. It needs an adequate amount of lubricant to operate smoothly. However, the unavailability of an adequate amount of lubricant or sludge formation could damage sensitive components and bearings of the clutch.

Aging

It is another important aspect of clutch failure. Everything has an expiry date and needs to be replaced after that time interval. A clutch can last for about 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Replace the clutch of your Volkswagen after a certain time interval as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Bad clutch symptoms

Creepy noises

The emergence of grinding or squealing noise when the clutch pedal is pressed indicates that something is clearly wrong with the system that needs immediate attention. Errors in the release mechanism, faulty pressure plate, and defective throwout bearing might be responsible for the emergence of such strange noises. Besides, lack of lubrication and sludge formation are some of the other reasons behind the appearance of strange noises. If you notice a similar problem while applying the clutch pedal, then immediately contact an automobile technician.

Spongy clutch pedal

Defect in the hydraulic release mechanism is solely responsible for the spongy clutch pedal in your Volkswagen. The unavailability of an adequate amount of hydraulic fluid might be responsible for the emergence of such unusual behavior. Moreover, the presence of air bubble in the system might also trigger a similar problem. Leaving such problems untreated could cause irreparable damages to the clutch of your Volkswagen which might cost a lot to repair.

Gear changing problems

The main purpose of a clutch is to transfer the engine power to the transmission. It also enables the driver to change the gears. Gear shifting should be smooth and trouble-free. However, if you face difficulties while trying to change the gear, then you might have a faulty clutch. Moreover, you might also hear strange unusual noises while trying to change the gears.

Transmission slips

It is one of the most common signs of a failing clutch. A worn-out clutch plate or cable could be responsible for such unusual transmission behavior. The clutch might also slip when you try to engage it. It usually occurs when you are accelerating or you are under a heavy load. It can get worse over time. So, faults in the system responsible for the emergence of such signs should be pointed out and repaired.

Bottom line

The clutch is one of the most important components of the driveshaft of your Volkswagen. Its job is to transfer torque from the engine to the transmission. Malfunctions in such a vital component could jeopardize the entire drivetrain system of your vehicle. So, symptoms of clutch failure in your Volkswagen should not be overlooked. Take your vehicle to a reliable car service center in your area to fix the faults in the clutch.

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