Brake Parts and Brake Repair Help from AutoZone
by Aaron Turpen
At its most basic, a clutch separates the engine from the transmission and drive line, allowing the engine to keep running without turning the wheels on the vehicle. This allows not only parking and idling, but also gear shifting.
Why Does My Clutch Grind?
Grinding occurs when the gears are not separating properly or meshing together correctly. In either case, the clutch is not doing its job and needs adjustment or replacement.
This could be due to several potential problems. Sometimes, just adjusting the clutch to allow better spacing for the gear separation will fix the problem. Other times, the clutch may be slipping due to wear on the clutch disc or plate spring, a broken or stretched clutch cable, or a defective clutch cylinder.
What Repair Options Are There?
The options for repair will depend on the make and model of the clutch and the diagnosed problem. Most home mechanics can repair clutch cables and do adjustments. Replacing parts, however, may require removing the transmission or pulling the engine from the car, which is very advanced mechanics requiring specialized tools and know-how.
