When Do I Know If My Clutch Is On Its Way Out?

[gemzie87]

Ive had a really old banger before my yaris and my dad suggested that the clutch was on its way out because the biting point became very high! and he was right that time!

Is this the same case for a X reg Yaris? because Ive heard that this might have been switched on newer cars so that when the bite becomes low it might mean its time for a new clutch.

as you might of guessed I know squot about cars, but my biting point at the mo is very very low, and what with my clutch acting up and being all grinding and clunky between 1st and 2nd gear, I have my doubts about its condition. Im still under warranty soo if its a prob i can hurry and go get it fixed for nothing :) any help?

[Red Yaris 54]

Ive had a really old banger before my yaris and my dad suggested that the clutch was on its way out because the biting point became very high! and he was right that time!

Is this the same case for a X reg Yaris? because Ive heard that this might have been switched on newer cars so that when the bite becomes low it might mean its time for a new clutch.

as you might of guessed I know squot about cars, but my biting point at the mo is very very low, and what with my clutch acting up and being all grinding and clunky between 1st and 2nd gear, I have my doubts about its condition. Im still under warranty soo if its a prob i can hurry and go get it fixed for nothing :) any help?

(Reprinted from www.propeller.com):

"How can I test my car clutch to see if it’s damaged / faulty or worn out?

If you want to test the clutch in your car, you need to bring your car on a level road where it will not move even when you have your handbrake down. Now make sure you have your handbrake on and switch on your engine. Change to the fourth gear (or fifth if you have) and start releasing the clutch while giving the car more gas ie depressing the gas pedal. If your car engine does not stall or your car moves, your clutch needs replacing!

Below are other symptoms and signs of a bad clutch:

Having difficulty changing or putting your car into gears

Hearing a crunching noise when you try to depress the clutch

Car shaking and vibrating when moving off

Sensing a burning smell

Vehicle not picking speed as it would normally do when gas pedal is depressed"

Hope the above explaination helps you

Another useful explaination here:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch2.htm

[T600]

If it's under warranty take it back and have it checked out.

Low biting point is much more likely to be an adjustment issue (or hydraulic issue where appropriate) than high biting point.

[Boro Sera]

clutches do wear out - how long this takes depends on how you drive the car.

Like T600 says though, if it's a cable operated clutch there's more than a good chance that the cable has stretched and lowered the biting point.

Take it to a mechanic you trust and get it checked out.

[forde]

i remember hearing that the only toyota for a long long time to have a cable clutch was the aygo??

never really looked on my yaris tbh

how long would a yaris clutch last?

[Benno_uk]

Yeah Yaris clutch`s are hydrolic operated. How long they last depends on how much abuse they have had ...pretty much like brake pads. Clutch`s not clearing properly need checking out as you will wreck the gearbox in the end. Get it in if it`s still under warranty!!

[Jay.M.E]

Two easy ways of checking your clutch are:

1. Try to pull away with handbrake on, if cars feels asif it is going to stall it is ok. Otherwise it should start slipping.

2. Cruise at 30mph and put into 5th, then put your foot flat to floor. If car revs up your clutch is again slipping, if car just gradually builds up speed it is fine. Try this one slightly up hill, it will help the test.

Please be aware this will only test the clutch for wear on the friction plate. Not cable or hydraulic trouble!(whichever applies to the car!)