Big power? Have a more powerful clutch!

Your vehicle’s capability to accelerate matters a lot. Hence, big power always requires a powerful clutch that will manage more effective and efficient shifting of gears.

Clutch takes engine power and puts it down through the drive shaft to the driven wheels but it also allows you to disengage the engine whilst performing a gear change. This kind of contact often requires a lot of grip and fast response. As, the more power there is, te harder it is for the clutch to operate.

Power is potentially lost if the clutch slips. Failing to make steady contact with the contact plate when the clutch was first released. Power clutches are usually designed with high friction surfaces and sometimes 2 or 3 contact plates.

Heavy duty race clutches have less feel and are practically on or off. Because of this, it may become hard to drive smoothly in traffic or pulling away smoothly on a hill, requiring a fair bit of leg muscle.

Clutch release spring is fairly heavier on most race clutches. A fast road power clutch makes more sense for road use though the high spec multi-plate race solution would seem the best, it is not that great to domestic driving for most vehicle types.

Most clutches have power ratings. If your engine’s output is greater than the rated power of the clutch, clutch slip is more likely experienced while you are accelerating. As a result, the clutch will wear out quickly.

What is clutch slip? A sudden surge of power can cause the clutch to lose grip. This will end up with failure in transferring power to the wheels. This is evidenced by a rise in the revs but not in the road speed. So do you now understand what clutch slip is? This can be compared to pulling a table cloth off a table and all the crockery still stay in place.

As you find some knowledge about clutch slip, you may also want to know more about clutch judder. When clutch does not engage properly, the engine will experience a kangaroo start or intermittent power to the wheels. This must be solved at once by checking your clutch release mechanism and cable.

Clutch problem is always a big deal. Once it is not solved immediately, more and more engine power will be corrupted. More and more notchy clutch (especially on the first and second gear) is surely not a good at all. Having the clutch replaced is a good idea however, you can never assure that 100% of the original’s efficiency is attained. This is because of the permanent damage to the synchromesh has been done as the first remained notchy. If you are adjusting the hydraulic clutch, you must remove the mats from the car especially if they are thick (as they can reduce the pedal travel significantly, making the clutch appear to wear out).

So how will you know that your clutch is still going great? As your clutch wears out, it will usually start slipping or sticking, and not fully engaging or disengaging. Shifting to the first and second gear often becomes harder.

Your car may eventually stall every time you try to put in gear from stationary. Fortunately, the third and fourth can work as you can limp to a garage. If your clutch has gone, you can engage the third and fourth easily without using the clutch if you just carefully match the engine speed to the gear that you select, while your car is moving. When the clutch cable stretches , same problems can occur.

If you are looking for immediate replacement, make sure that you will get the new clutch that will perfectly match your vehicle’s transmission system. Always check your manual for the specs before purchasing a replacement. Regarding the installation, make sure that it is serviced by a qualified personnel.

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