Ford - How to Tell if Your Clutch Needs Repair

Driving a Ford Fusion with a manual transmission can be exhilarating. After all, the manual transmission gives you more control over the acceleration and power you obtain on the open road. However, there are some definite issues to this type of transmission, especially when it comes to the clutch.

The clutch is the pedal that allows a driver to manually switch from one gear to another; unfortunately, because these car parts are used so often they have the potential to wear down over time. Knowing when the clutch is malfunctioning is important; if you wait too long, the clutch could potentially go out, leaving you unable to change gears at all.

Diagnosing Clutch Problems

In order to ensure your Ford functions efficiently, you have to be able to diagnose any problems the clutch may have so you can determine whether it needs the help of a professional mechanic. Here are just a few problems that may occur with these Ford parts and some tips on how to identify them.

• Slippage- This clutch problem occurs when the Ford’s pressure plate isn’t able to keep the friction disc against the flywheel while you are pressing down on the clutch. This causes the flywheel and the disc to rotate at a different speed. Most often you will notice that this problem is occurring when the engine begins revving abnormally when you release the clutch. This problem often occurs because there is oil or grease on the disc, the engine mount is broken, or the friction plate has become too worn. A visit to the mechanic is needed here to ensure no permanent damage is done to the car parts.

• Vibration- If the clutch is vibrating, it could mean that there is a problem with the clutch mechanism. This is one the easiest problems to notice, but not one of the easiest to fix. There are a number of problems that could be causing the vibration, including a damaged flywheel, broken disc, broken pressure plate, loose spring, or worn out engine mounts. If you notice any vibration, jerking, or chatting sensation in the clutch, get it to a mechanic as quickly as possible.

• Squealing- Squealing that comes from the clutch can be difficult to diagnose as well, mainly because it can be caused by many different issues. It could mean that the pilot bushing or bearing has become damaged, or that the input shaft or release fork are worn and need repair. It can also indicate that certain Ford parts, like the friction disc, were improperly installed.

• Gear Changing Issues- When the clutch does not release properly after you take your foot off of it, gear changing issues can occur. This is because the clutch isn’t disengaged and the friction disc continues to spin. You may notice that you can’t change gears at all, or you may notice that the gears grind. The car might also stall when it comes to a stop. This is often due to air in the car’s hydraulic system or mechanical linkage that has not been adjusted properly.

Keeping your Ford on the road isn’t always easy; when you’re driving a manual transmission, however, you have to be ready for anything. Pay attention to the sounds, feel, and movement of your clutch so you can get it repaired as quickly as possible when a problem occurs.