Do I need a new clutch?

pfs · 02-16-2011, 08:16 AM

Hi,

A few weeks ago I accidentally revved my engine while slipping the clutch (I was trying to get out of some snow). My guess is that I got up to 3000-4000 rpm for about five to ten seconds.

Since then I occasionally smell "burning clutch" after heavy clutch use. I'm pretty sure this wasn't happening before.

Also, I don't know if this is related, but sometimes I hear a thump when disengaging the clutch, particularly at higher RPMs. Is this normal?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Peter

GZ3 · 02-16-2011, 08:32 AM

the smell should go away eventually, as far as a thumping sound?? hmmm can you describe a little more??

ProfessorDave · 02-16-2011, 08:43 AM

I've seen a clutch with some miles on it already go under similar circumstances (son learning to drive, trying to start from a stop, up a hill, in 3rd. Wife's car, fortunately!). But the failure was immediately apparent.

I agree with GZ3 about the smell. It takes awhile to go away. There isn't a good way for odors to leave a bell housing quickly.

spinhead · 02-16-2011, 09:06 AM

I think the smell is just you grinding the clutch more than necessary. I do that every now and then, especially when going uphill in reverse. Always smells afterwards.
That thunk you're talking about happens to me as well, especially in first gear at like 3-4k rpm if you just pop the clutch. Try easing the clutch a little and it won't thunk. Either way, you're not reporting issues with your clutch engaging so I think you're fine.

kenchan · 02-16-2011, 09:20 AM

You have to like slip high rpm for a few min to kill a street clutch. I think you're fine.

Red__Zed · 02-16-2011, 09:30 AM

You should still be good, but it's always hard to tell. If it doesn't feel like it is slipping, it's probably OK. Your clutch will give you enough warning before it goes.

kenchan · 02-16-2011, 09:54 AM

Quick way to test is go 25mph in either 3rd or 4th and punch the gas. If it slips you need a new clutch.
Chances are you are okay.

tonybui · 02-16-2011, 10:20 AM

I'm new to the manual scene, how would the clutch "slip"??

shadoquad · 02-16-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybui

I'm new to the manual scene, how would the clutch "slip"??

If you disengage the clutch and give it some gas, and the revs increase while the response and speedometer have a significant delay, your clutch is not grabbing properly. Not to be confused with throttle lag. If your throttle lags, then when you put your foot down, there will be some lag before the engine revs. That's normal in a drive-by-wire car.

I've replaced a slipping clutch. The symptoms are quite noticeable. They go "release clutch, give gas, hear a vroom, wait a few seconds, car starts going".

kielbasa16 · 02-16-2011, 11:25 AM

Agreed youll feel it most when merging onto a highway, or anytime you release the clutch and try to punch the gas. Happened to me in my old car and as somebody with little mechanical experience it wasnt hard to "feel" what was going on.

RockStarKick · 02-16-2011, 11:30 AM

You will be fine.. I have been driving manual for a while now and have had a few cars that were ragged to hell and back and the clutch lasted a really long time.

pfs · 02-16-2011, 11:47 AM

Thanks everyone, it sounds like my clutch is probably fine (I haven't noticed any slipping with the clutch fully engaged).

For the poster who asked me to describe the sound: I guess I'll say it sounds like a muffled clunk, and it seems definitely connected to the pedal.

kenchan · 02-16-2011, 12:27 PM

There is an audible thunk sound when you depress the clutch pedal on these cars.

tonybui · 02-16-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

If you disengage the clutch and give it some gas, and the revs increase while the response and speedometer have a significant delay, your clutch is not grabbing properly. Not to be confused with throttle lag. If your throttle lags, then when you put your foot down, there will be some lag before the engine revs. That's normal in a drive-by-wire car.

I've replaced a slipping clutch. The symptoms are quite noticeable. They go "release clutch, give gas, hear a vroom, wait a few seconds, car starts going".

very clear, thanks a lot

iceman21_23 · 02-16-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

If you disengage the clutch and give it some gas, and the revs increase while the response and speedometer have a significant delay, your clutch is not grabbing properly. Not to be confused with throttle lag. If your throttle lags, then when you put your foot down, there will be some lag before the engine revs. That's normal in a drive-by-wire car.

I've replaced a slipping clutch. The symptoms are quite noticeable. They go "release clutch, give gas, hear a vroom, wait a few seconds, car starts going".

so its kinda like driving a civic with a fart can? sounds like its moving but it aint going on where...

02-16-2011, 08:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
pfs Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3 Drives: 09 370Z BL M6 Rep Power: 14	Do I need a new clutch? Hi, A few weeks ago I accidentally revved my engine while slipping the clutch (I was trying to get out of some snow). My guess is that I got up to 3000-4000 rpm for about five to ten seconds. Since then I occasionally smell "burning clutch" after heavy clutch use. I'm pretty sure this wasn't happening before. Also, I don't know if this is related, but sometimes I hear a thump when disengaging the clutch, particularly at higher RPMs. Is this normal? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Peter

02-16-2011, 08:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
GZ3 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: SATX Posts: 3,296 Drives: Z Rep Power: 21	the smell should go away eventually, as far as a thumping sound?? hmmm can you describe a little more?? __________________ 09 GT-R 12' 370Z 7AT HANDED DOWN 12'+13' 5.0 SOLD

02-16-2011, 08:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 18	I've seen a clutch with some miles on it already go under similar circumstances (son learning to drive, trying to start from a stop, up a hill, in 3rd. Wife's car, fortunately!). But the failure was immediately apparent. I agree with GZ3 about the smell. It takes awhile to go away. There isn't a good way for odors to leave a bell housing quickly. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

02-16-2011, 09:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
spinhead Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: N. Bethesda, MD Posts: 162 Drives: 09 370z BS 6MT Rep Power: 3387	I think the smell is just you grinding the clutch more than necessary. I do that every now and then, especially when going uphill in reverse. Always smells afterwards. That thunk you're talking about happens to me as well, especially in first gear at like 3-4k rpm if you just pop the clutch. Try easing the clutch a little and it won't thunk. Either way, you're not reporting issues with your clutch engaging so I think you're fine. __________________ Consequences will never be the same.

02-16-2011, 11:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
kielbasa16 Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY Posts: 770 Drives: 09 Blk Z Spt Rep Power: 16	Agreed youll feel it most when merging onto a highway, or anytime you release the clutch and try to punch the gas. Happened to me in my old car and as somebody with little mechanical experience it wasnt hard to "feel" what was going on. __________________ Mag Black Kielbasa

02-16-2011, 09:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	You have to like slip high rpm for a few min to kill a street clutch. I think you're fine.

02-16-2011, 09:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 119	You should still be good, but it's always hard to tell. If it doesn't feel like it is slipping, it's probably OK. Your clutch will give you enough warning before it goes.

02-16-2011, 09:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	Quick way to test is go 25mph in either 3rd or 4th and punch the gas. If it slips you need a new clutch. Chances are you are okay.

02-16-2011, 10:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
tonybui A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,397 Drives: 09 Sports 6 Speed Rep Power: 427	I'm new to the manual scene, how would the clutch "slip"??

02-16-2011, 11:30 AM	#11 (permalink)
RockStarKick Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 298 Drives: it like a rental Rep Power: 14	You will be fine.. I have been driving manual for a while now and have had a few cars that were ragged to hell and back and the clutch lasted a really long time. __________________ 2013 Mustang GT, 6M, Track Pack & Leather Recaros 2011 Pearl White 6M /Sport Pkg - SOLD

02-16-2011, 11:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
pfs Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3 Drives: 09 370Z BL M6 Rep Power: 14	Thanks everyone, it sounds like my clutch is probably fine (I haven't noticed any slipping with the clutch fully engaged). For the poster who asked me to describe the sound: I guess I'll say it sounds like a muffled clunk, and it seems definitely connected to the pedal.

02-16-2011, 12:27 PM	#13 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	There is an audible thunk sound when you depress the clutch pedal on these cars.

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