Clutch Problem Causes

Fluid contamination is a major cause of clutch problems. Oil, grease, water or fluid on the clutch contact surfaces will cause faulty operation.

During clutch inspection, note if any components are contaminated with oil, grease, clutch linkage hydraulic fluid or water/road splash.

Oil contamination indicates a leak at either the engine crankshaft rear main seal or transmission input shaft. Oil leakage produces a residue of oil on the housing interior and on the clutch cover and flywheel. Heat buildup caused by slippage between the cover, disc and flywheel cause the oil residue to bake onto these components. This baked on residue ranges in color from light brown to black.

Grease contamination is usually caused by over lubrication. During clutch service apply only a small amount of grease to the components requiring lubrication.

Clutch components requiring lubrication are the splines in the clutch disc hub and clutch pedal pivot bore and bushings. Transmission components requiring lubrication are the input shaft splines and the release bearing slide surface of the front bearing retainer. Do not apply grease to any part of the clutch cover, disc or release bearing.

Hydraulic clutch fluid contamination is caused by damaged clutch fluid lines or a leaking clutch slave cylinder. Most clutch fluid leaks will be noted and corrected before severe contamination occurs.

Road splash is caused by driving the vehicle through deep water puddles. Water contamination will usually produce rust on the flywheel, clutch disc or the input splines of the transmission. There may also be mud or dirt inside of the bell housing.