how do you know if a clutch is going bad?

[RedRum240]

my clutch somtimes it really hard to get into reverse you kinda got to slam it over then pull it down. the rest of the gear's work fine tho. also I notice that I have to accelerate really slow and shift slow for the car not to jerk does this mean my clutch is slipping and I need a new one? I learned how to drive manual on this clutch FYI. also what are some signs I can look for?

[Red coupe]

doesnt sound like a clutch thing...not to sure about hard time getting into nuetral so I wont speculate... but the jerking is because of the differance in the speed of the engine and the speed of the tires/driveshaft. I assume you mean its jerky when you shift? if the clutch were slipping it would be like the rpm going up with out the car accelerating enough.almost like it seem when you think your in a gear but your in nuetral and you try to accelerate, only it will accelerate some. but if it is jerking around alot when you shift from one gear to the next, it means your not shifting smoothly enough, its more of the opposite of the clutch is slippiong because if it slipped there would be no jolt as power would be gently applyed to your drivetrain. Sorry about the crappy explination but im tired and dont know a ton about drivetrain stuff...

[sanioll]

LOL, dude you must be a chick. or really lack education in cars.

not being able to shift into reverse is not a clutch problem 99% of the time. it is hard to shift into reverse in 240s anyways. stop completely then shift.

if clutch is going bad, it means its worn out, just like brake pads. think of it as a circular brake pad. it connects engine and transmission.

when its worn out, it will start slipping.

how to test?try climbing hills on 5th gear, or on 3d or 4th step on it, pedal to the metal. if your rpm goes to redline without usual acceleration(traveling at certain speed matching certain gear at certain RPM), THEN your clutch is worn out badly. REPLACE IT.

dont get anything more than a stage 1. i got stage 1 and its already too harsh.

[Antjaw]

The jerking could be your U joint in your drive shaft.

[fatboy]

a quick test for clutch is to try and start in 5 gear. release the clutch very slowly. if it dies immediately, then clutch is fine. otherwise, clutch is worn

[Master_Tao]

I'll have to say thanks for that one, I think mine is going out so i'll try the 5th gear thing, thanks again

[madbouncy]

I have that same problem with reverse. I just pump the clutch pedal a few times and then it goes right in. I know what you mean about the jerking. Just practice at it, something you'll notice in gears like 1st and 2nd (with my car anyways) is if i hit a bump and my foot bounces, so that the gas gets pushed in a little extra then lets off, it'll just keep doing that because once the car starts shaking my foot just repeatedly does it with the gas, even if i take my foot of the gas it'll happen a tiny bit more then stop, I usually just shift into neutral as soon as I feel it, so I don't just keep jerking the car around. I wouldn't be surprised if this was actually something broken on my car, but I haven't driven enough manuals to really tell.

[Master_Tao]

that problem with reverse...I've got it too, but mine does it with first too. All I have to do is just let off the clutch about 1/2" and it goes right in. What does that mean?

[mss5413]

As far as the jerking, my does the same thing. The only way that it won't jerk is if my fuel management is malfunctioning, in other words, this jerking is a sign for me that my car is running good. I have had the worst problems running rich, because a sensor connection was causing my ecm to get false readings for the engine and I could smell excess fuel fumes from my exhaust. So if you're clutch feels very smooth, and it is not slipping, then from my experience it is a fuel management problem.(i.e. temp. sensor, maf sensor, 02 sensor, etc.). But anyway, in my opinion your car is running fine.

P.S. I hope some of this info can apply to future reference regarding the sensors.

[bcar240]

1st and reverse are the hardest gears to get into because they don't have synchros. Sometimes shifting into 2nd then into 1st helps. Sometimes when my reverse is stubborn, I rev the engine just a little. it makes a griding sound but it pops in. Maybe not the best solution though. I have also noticed that pumping the clutch seems to help.

[spider_slayer]

i can't put mine into reverse sometimes eathier, jsut pull it into reverse and let out the clutch about half way and if goes in fine.