CLUTCH
1
FAULT DIAGNOSIS
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CONDITIONS
For the clutch to operate correctly it is important the
following conditions are satisfied:-
The primary shaft (15) must be free in the
crankshaft spigot bush (17).
The friction plate (2) must be able to slide easily on
the splines on the primary shaft (15), to a position
where it does not contact either the flywheel or the
pressure plate.
The friction plate must not be distorted or the
linings contaminated with oil, which may cause it to
stick or continue to run in contact with the flywheel
or pressure plate.
A number of faults can develop in the operation of the
clutch for a variety of reasons and most faults are due
to normal wear at high mileage. Problems can also
occur if the unit has been renewed by an unskilled
operator.
Recognising and diagnosing a particular clutch fault is
therefore of paramount importance in ensuring that
the problem is rectified at the first attempt.
Problems which develop in the clutch are as follows:-
Clutch spin/drag
Clutch slip
Clutch judder/fierce
CLUTCH SPIN - DRAG
Symptoms
Clutch spin is that, with engine running and clutch
pedal depressed, the gears cannot be immediately
engaged without making a grinding noise. This
indicates the clutch is not making a clean break.
However, if the clutch pedal is held depressed for
several seconds the friction plate will eventually break
free from the engine and the gear will engage silently.
Clutch spin as it becomes more severe develops into
clutch drag, making the silent engagement of a gear
impossible, regardless of how long the pedal is held
depressed.
CLUTCH SLIP
Symptoms
Clutch slip is most evident climbing a hill or when the
vehicle is moving off from stationary with a heavy
load. As the clutch is released, slip occurs between
the engine and the transmission, allowing the engine
speed to increase without a corresponding increase in
vehicle speed.
Clutch slip can develop to the stage where no power
is transmitted through the clutch as the pedal is
released.
CLUTCH JUDDER - FIERCE
Symptoms
Clutch judder or fierce engagement, like slip, is most
likely to occur when the vehicle is moving off from
stationary. As the clutch pedal is released the vehicle
will move rapidly or in a series of jerks, which cannot
be controlled even by careful operation of the clutch
by the driver.
It should be noted that a vehicle may display all the
symptoms or any combination of the symptoms
described, depending on the driving conditions vehicle
load and operating temperatures.