Is Your Porsche Slipping? How to Diagnose and Fix Clutch Problems

When a Porsche's legendary performance begins to feel. Off, more likely than not the cause is a slipping clutch. A slipping clutch will mute the distinctive and feral bond between driver and machine and the Porsche experience. When the clutch is healthy then the power arrives instantly and with crisp precision. With a slipping clutch power delivery may be indistinct and rubbery.

When you feel it in your Porsche then it is more than a slight aggravation but rather an indicator that you should not ignore. If nothing is done then the slipping clutch will develop into more serious and expensive problems. Being aware of the signs and responding in the right manner will restore you to that flawless Porsche sensation.

The Warning Signs Your Porsche Needs Attention

• Failing clutch - It never stops working suddenly and a slipping clutch usually gives gentle suggestions and warnings until it becomes a problem. The idea is to get the signals before the problem becomes a bigger problem.
• Lagging Acceleration - This specific symptom is the original indicator of a slipping clutch. You accelerate the engine revs but the vehicle doesn't appear to be accelerating at a corresponding pace with the RPM. This condition is like the power is slipping and that is what has occurred. The power from the engine is not being completely delivered to the present transmission gear.
• Smell of burn - If you feel a strange odour like burnt rubber or a mild smoking chemical odour then take your time and understand that it's not a good sign. This is due to the clutch friction material being burned due to slippage. The odour is highly possible and once you recognize it then you will never forget it.
• Pedal Changes - Pay attention to the feeling of your clutch pedal. If the point of engagement has changed. Then a new clutch will grab lower down and a worn clutch will tend to grab much higher up. This is also a sign of a failure of the clutch. If your clutch pedal is unusually soft then certain signs include a spongy or loose feel.
• Shifting Difficulty - Usually, when the clutch is worn out then the shifting itself will become harder. You can feel some resistance or even a grinding sound particularly when downshifting gears more quickly or shifting to a higher gear under load.
• Unpredictable Engine RPM - Often enough, a well clutching vehicle has a direct relationship between engine RPM and speed and observe the tachometer when accelerating. If the RPM jump without a relative increase in speed, then your clutch is slipping.

How To Repair

In nearly every case a worn clutch cannot be fixed with an adjustment and it will have to be replaced. Because of the finickiness and work required to find the problem on a Porsche this is not something that can be done at home.

• Replace the Complete Clutch Kit - The proper repair will entail the replacement of the clutch disc, pressure plate and housing bearing. A complete kit will replace all essential wear items and result in a smooth shift.

• Fix Any Fluid Leak - In case the leak was the cause of contamination to your clutch you will need to fix the leak prior to installation of the new clutch assembly. A skilled technician can determine the source of the leak whether a bad seal or otherwise.

• Flush and Replace the Hydraulic System - Old or dirty clutch fluid may be cleared out by a flush and replaced with factory approved fluid and restoring clutch system function but not a failed clutch.

Conclusion

Your Porsche is a well-tuned machine and a slipping clutch is an indicator that it is out of tune. By listening to the warning signs the lagging acceleration, the odour of burning and the pedal feel then you can catch the problem early. Sure, the repair might be a new clutch but addressing the problem early will protect the rest of the drive train from damage and have you back to appreciating the legendary and connected driving experience that is only familiar from a Porsche. For any such complex issues with your Porsche, you can contact us. We are equipped with advanced tools and have certified technicians who will not only diagnose your issues but also ensure you enjoy your Porsche driving smoothly.

Auto Scandia is one of the most sought-after high-end European car maintenance and repair facility located in Herndon, VA that is having over 40 years of experience in looking after luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.