What wears out a clutch

[merc123]

I know that riding a clutch wears it out but what else?

As far as I know I've only "burned" it once as I could smell a little odor from what I was first starting to learn to drive. Also, does downshifting and NOT RPM matching do it? For example, downshift and slip clutch while braking at the same time.

 

[JonJon]

i think downshifting without matching rpms hurts the drivetrain more than it does the clutch
but wears the clutch more too, you're slipping it more than if you rev matched

 

[Roger_4.6_96]

everything burns up your clutch even pushing the clutch in

 

[TripleBlk]

Driving with your foot resting on the clutch pedal would cause it to wear pretty quickly. You also need to keep them adjusted every few thousand mi or so. Finally, try not to downshift to 1st while going more than 5 mph.

 

[twogts4us]

Dumping, or sidestepping the clutch is probably the worst thing, unless the clutch is able to grab, but then, the result is shock to the drivetrain. Anytime the engine speed does not match the clutch speed, wear results. Remember, a clutch operates on friction...like brakes - so some wear always occurs. But, as stated, there is tradeoff though...hard shifting shocks the drivetrain.

 

[merc123]

1. How do you adjust it?

2. So when getting on it and you bark the tires when you hit 2nd gear is that the clutch or the drivetrain? What if it doesn't bark the tires but a smooth transition while shifting at 4k RPM from 1st to 2nd?

 

[SANZ]

I know that riding a clutch wears it out but what else?

Letting your girlfriend drive your car

 

[merc123]

You're the dummy for letting her drive My g/f doesn't drive any stick that is attached to any cars I own. By that I mean automatic or manual which means she doesn't drive ANY of my cars

 

[SANZ]

Well sometimes I have a few too many pops and I don't have a choice

 

[White Stang]

Alot of engine and alot of grip

 

[merc123]

What about clutch dumping for burnouts? I mean, I see quite a bit of it on here.

 

[HoustonGT]

I know that riding a clutch wears it out but what else

-Me! lol
-no seriously though. Powershifting, riding the clutch, and just shifting hard and fast like during a race will prematurely wear the clutch. But most of those can't be avoided hehe.

 

[02 Sonic Blue]

just dont drive it like you stole it all the time, assuming you know how to drive a stick, and your clutch should be fine...

 

[merc123]

Lately I've been hitting it up to about 3500-4000k just because I rarely get to drive the car while here at college so I take her out for a spin for about 20 minutes. I'll calm down in a little bit.

 

[twogts4us]

What about clutch dumping for burnouts? I mean, I see quite a bit of it on here.

The tires are taking a beating at that point, not the clutch.

 

[HoustonGT]

The tires are taking a beating at that point, not the clutch.

Actually, dumping the clutch for a burnout is hard on the tires, drivetrain, and CLUTCH. Forcing the clutch to grab after the engine is revved to 5k cause ALOT of wear.

 

[DoctorGeek97GT]

Merc123 -- You adjust the clutch by pulling up on the clutch pedal and pushing it back down again. (At least that's what it says in my manual.)

 

[Stangsgrl]

You're the dummy for letting her drive My g/f doesn't drive any stick that is attached to any cars I own. By that I mean automatic or manual which means she doesn't drive ANY of my cars

I guess i should feel proud! Bf lets me drive his car...i even get to take it to work next Tues (btw he's Stanglou) ...however I'm still getting used to his new clutch.

 

[twogts4us]

Actually, dumping the clutch for a burnout is hard on the tires, drivetrain, and CLUTCH. Forcing the clutch to grab after the engine is revved to 5k cause ALOT of wear.

So true...

 

[cybore]

Merc123 -- You adjust the clutch by pulling up on the clutch pedal and pushing it back down again. (At least that's what it says in my manual.)

Do this with the tranny in first gear (engine off of course). I think the manual says to do this every 5000 miles. If you are hard on your clutch, maybe more often.