Checking the clutch in the installed state

Before removing the clutch for replacement, the following work can be carried out to check where the fault may be.

1. Start the engine and let it idle.

2. Depress the clutch pedal and wait 3 seconds.

3. Engage reverse. If a grinding sound is heard from the gearbox, it can be assumed that the clutch or driven disc needs to be replaced, since the connection between the clutch and the flywheel is interrupted.

4. To test the clutch for slippage:

5. Drive the vehicle until the gearbox and clutch have reached their operating temperature.

6. Stop the vehicle and apply the handbrake.

7. Engage third gear.

8. Depress the clutch pedal, accelerate the engine to 3000 - 4000 rpm and quickly release the clutch pedal. If the engine stalls immediately, the clutch works flawlessly. If the clutch has high mileage, it will begin to slip. In this case, check the adjustment first. Clutch slippage also occurs when going uphill. If the engine is felt to be spinning faster than the wheel drive when the gas is applied, then the engine is spinning faster than the clutch connection.

9. If the clutch slips, it means that not all of the engine power is transmitted to the gearbox drive. The driven disc is not clamped firmly enough between the friction surfaces of the flywheel and the pressure plate. In most cases, it can be assumed that oil from the engine has got on the clutch lining or the clutch linings are burned or worn. In this case, the only help is to replace the driven disk or the entire clutch.