Clutch Repair & Replacement in Wilmington, NC
A common problem we deal with regularly is clutches. Whether it’s clutch repair or clutch replacement, Derham’s Alignment is your one-stop auto repair shop! Clutches, like so many other parts in a vehicle, wear out over time. The rate of clutch wear depends on several factors: personal driving style, geographic landscape in which you drive, road conditions, and weather conditions. If your clutch has worn down to where it is no longer effective, your vehicle will require a clutch replacement.
How to Spot Clutch Problems
Problems with your clutch can produce symptoms with vehicle performance. For this reason, the longer you let the clutch problems linger, the more it can cost you. Here are a few signs that you may have problems with your vehicle’s clutch.
- Poor gas mileage
- Trouble climbing hills (having to downshift more)
- Engine revs up as you start to put the car into motion (or when you attempt to accelerate)
- The clutch feels still
- Clutch can no longer be adjusted to provide pedal slack
Clutch Repair
Clutch repair is generally considered a clutch replacement because in most cases, the clutch can’t be repaired. However, there are certain circumstances in which you can repair, or adjust the clutch rather than having it replaced. In some cases, you may only need to have certain parts replaced, which may be a cheaper option.
A clutch adjustment may be all that is needed if you hear a grinding noise as you shift. This could simply be the clutch not completely disengaging from the transmission. An adjustment to the clutch will not only fix the grinding noise but prevent additional wear and tear on the clutch disc.
Clutch Replacement
In many cases, it is necessary to replace the clutch altogether. Clutches have a usage life that depends on many factors. In near-perfect conditions, you may expect a clutch to last 100,000 miles, but tough conditions can reduce this to as low as 25,000 miles. Many different components make up your clutch. In some cases, clutch failure may be the result of one component failing or multiple components. Our experienced specialists can review and diagnose any clutch replacement issue in the early stages, making it as cheap as possible to get your vehicle back to top performance.
