Stuck clutch by overheating?
Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:15 pm
Hello Forum,
This weekend I spent a few laps on a race track trying out new tires and suspension when I suddenly felt a smell of smoke, thought it came from a tire touching the bodywork. I moved the gear to neutral, stopped the car and checked the tires. No problem here.
Trying to get away again I could not get any gear in place. The clutch did not disengage at all.
What had happened?
I got some advice that the clutch might have ?burned? and was stuck to the flywheel. Other ideas was overheated hydraulic oil (slave cylinder is very close to the exhaust pipe) or bend clutch arm.
When reading the forum threads about ?stuck clutch? and the tricks to get it loose it seems that this always is a result of corrosion because of no use for months or years. I have not been able to found anything about ?burning? clutch or clutch getting stuck because of slip / overheating.
The symptom was only the smoke, no metal sound (e.g broken release bearing).
I wonder if a clutch ever can get stuck as above or if the symptom in fact is a typical indication on failed pressure springs / broken / worn clutch plate? (which means that the engine has to come out.....).
Before trying any of the recommended steps to free a stuck clutch I would like your advice if these steps really are the correct actions for me in this situation.
If it is very rare that a clutch can get stuck by ?burning? I will probably brake something instead of solve the problem.
I have done some checks:
- The clutch release arm is moving correctly, as far as I can see
- The slack between slave cylinder pushrod and release arm is approx 2 mm
- The slave cylinder does not move, no loose fittings
- The system is bleeded, no air bubbles. The oil is replaced
- When pushing the pedal it feels lighter than before (no pressure from the diaphragm springs?)
Any ideas on what has happened and how to cure the patient?
Thanks in advance
Erik Bernsland
S4 S/E DHC -68
Sweden
This weekend I spent a few laps on a race track trying out new tires and suspension when I suddenly felt a smell of smoke, thought it came from a tire touching the bodywork. I moved the gear to neutral, stopped the car and checked the tires. No problem here.
Trying to get away again I could not get any gear in place. The clutch did not disengage at all.
What had happened?
I got some advice that the clutch might have ?burned? and was stuck to the flywheel. Other ideas was overheated hydraulic oil (slave cylinder is very close to the exhaust pipe) or bend clutch arm.
When reading the forum threads about ?stuck clutch? and the tricks to get it loose it seems that this always is a result of corrosion because of no use for months or years. I have not been able to found anything about ?burning? clutch or clutch getting stuck because of slip / overheating.
The symptom was only the smoke, no metal sound (e.g broken release bearing).
I wonder if a clutch ever can get stuck as above or if the symptom in fact is a typical indication on failed pressure springs / broken / worn clutch plate? (which means that the engine has to come out.....).
Before trying any of the recommended steps to free a stuck clutch I would like your advice if these steps really are the correct actions for me in this situation.
If it is very rare that a clutch can get stuck by ?burning? I will probably brake something instead of solve the problem.
I have done some checks:
- The clutch release arm is moving correctly, as far as I can see
- The slack between slave cylinder pushrod and release arm is approx 2 mm
- The slave cylinder does not move, no loose fittings
- The system is bleeded, no air bubbles. The oil is replaced
- When pushing the pedal it feels lighter than before (no pressure from the diaphragm springs?)
Any ideas on what has happened and how to cure the patient?
Thanks in advance
Erik Bernsland
S4 S/E DHC -68
Sweden