The clutch serves the function of cutting off or interrupting the power flux between engine and transmission. The interruption of the power flux is necessary when shifting gears or starting up the engine, therefore the driver must depress the clutch pedal in such cases. By doing this, the driver activates a linkage and disengages the connection between the crankshaft and the gears–thus, the engine starts to run at idle. At this point, the driver can shift to a different gear. When the driver operates the gearshift lever, the clutch’s two plates, which are normally pressed together, are forced apart by hydraulic force, and the flywheels grind against each other. This operation allows the driver to shift gears. If the driver gives power, without engaging the clutch, the result is an unpleasant (crunching) noise. This happens owing to the flywheels being still interlocked together, because the clutch’s plates have not separated. If the driver releases the clutch slowly when starting the engine, this operation allows the plates to connect together smoothly and enables, thus, a controlled start. It may occur that the clutch “slips” when starting the engine, if the plates no longer press properly one against the other.
When is the clutch faulty?
It is relatively easy to find out whether the clutch is in good working order, or whether it is, instead, faulty, by carrying out a couple of simple tests. The clutch pedal ought to be smooth to operate, with no “sticking”. Also, when depressing the clutch pedal, the noise of the engine should remain pretty much the same, and when shifting into first gear, no audible switching noises ought to be heard. Once the engine has been started and the first gear has been engaged, the clutch pedal should move approximately two thirds of the way down. If it moves right down to the end, it is possibly worn. In order to test this assumption, the driver must engage the second gear and apply the handbrake. If the engine speed decreases and the engine stalls when the clutch is released, it means that the clutch works well. Nevertheless, if the engine speed increases and the clutch slips, that can be taken as a sign that the clutch may go any time soon. Normally, a vehicle’s clutch should last throughout the lifespan of the vehicle itself.
Repair costs und clutch bleeding
However, should it be necessary to have the clutch substituted; the costs are likely to be in the 4,000 Dirham region. Such costs are to be mainly ascribed to the work carried out by the mechanic, since the engine has to be taken apart before anything else can be done. Once the clutch has been fitted, it is necessary to bleed it, in order to let the air out of the system. Only approved bleeding devices and engine fluids (hydraulic oil and brake fluid) should be employed in the process.