Car Clutch Disc: Function, Brands, and Signs and Effects When the Disc Starts to Wear Thin
The car clutch is a vital component of the car that reduces engine RPM when shifting gears so that the gear can shift smoothly. An important part of the clutch is the car's clutch disc, which is useful for transmitting power from the engine to the transmission.
For manual cars, the clutch is of course very important because if it is damaged, the car will not function properly and will disrupt the journey. So, what do you really need to know more about car clutch discs? You can follow the explanation below to better understand how to maintain the car's clutch disc.
Types of Car Clutch Discs
The clutch and car clutch disc are certainly like a machine that comes as a package. You should know that there are two types of car clutches, namely manual clutches and automatic clutches.
An automatic clutch will transmit power influenced by the engine's rotation with the arrangement of the clutch disc and clutch plate being loose. However, the clutch plate will automatically tighten when the vehicle accelerates.
A manual clutch, of course, is the opposite, where the arrangement of the clutch disc and clutch plate is much tighter. Unlike the automatic clutch, the manual clutch operates based on the driver's power and pressing the clutch.
Not only manual and automatic clutches, other types also have different arrangements of clutch discs.
Functions of Car Clutch Discs
The main function of the car clutch disc is also to disconnect and connect the rotational power from the engine to the transmission. When the clutch operates, the clutch disc becomes the component that directly rotates the transmission input because the disc is directly engaged.
The performance of this clutch disc will work directly with the clutch cover that was previously transmitted when the engine rotates the flywheel.
The car clutch disc can also smooth the transmission of engine power to the transmission. This is because this tool plays a role in smoothing changes during power transmission when the process occurs from the engine to the transmission. This will make the rotation during car acceleration smoother so that the engine power can be better controlled.
The clutch disc has two main components, namely the torsion damper and cushion plate that can dampen shocks and vibrations during the connection and disconnection of power from the engine to the transmission. This can reduce the occurrence of slip so that the engine power remains transmitted safely and the car's performance remains optimal.
Signs of a Damaged Car Clutch Disc
Like other car engine components, the clutch disc also has a lifespan that must be regularly replaced. The lifespan will depend on time, distance traveled by the car, and how the driver treats the car's engine.
These factors will affect the condition of the clutch disc because this component can wear down, which can disrupt the performance of the car's engine and your journey.
A damaged car clutch disc has several signs. The following description can help you understand more deeply and anticipate when you feel it in your personal vehicle's engine.
1. Burnt Smell to Smoke
Usually, the car clutch disc will emit a burnt smell and smoke when you frequently play with the clutch by pressing the half-clutch. This can be dangerous and cause the disc to emit a burnt smell.
This burnt smell is a sign that the clutch disc may have damage. You can check it by first turning off the car engine to let the engine cool down. If it is indeed worn, please go to a workshop to replace it.
2. High Clutch Pedal
If the clutch pedal is pressed but the response is too slow, it will certainly disrupt the car's acceleration. This sign is a result of a worn and damaged clutch disc. If left unchecked and the engine continues to run, you could damage other engine components.
3. Weak Acceleration
The burnt smell is certainly an early symptom because the next symptom is weak car acceleration. When pressing the gas pedal, the car engine will only roar but will not move properly.
If this happens while you are on an uphill road, it can be dangerous because it could roll backward.
4. High Engine RPM
Acceleration may be weak, but engine RPM remains high when the clutch disc is damaged. However, this will cause the car to overheat easily and result in abnormal engine RPM.
5. Clutch Slip
Clutch slip will occur if the disc has worn out. If this happens, the clutch will not work properly, disrupting the transmission of engine power to the transmission.
6. Rumbling Noise
A rumbling noise when pressing the clutch can be caused by a damaged car clutch disc. If forced to run the car engine, this damage could extend to the car's clutch cover and other component damage.
7. Unable to Shift Gears
When the car clutch disc has severe damage, one fatal thing that can occur is the inability to shift gears, causing the car to not run properly or even stall. If it reaches this stage, it is certain that the repair costs will be very high.
How to Handle a Smelly Clutch Disc
It has been mentioned earlier that when the clutch disc is damaged due to wear, it can emit a burnt smell and produce smoke. If this happens, you do not need to panic, especially when on the road.
What you need to do is pull over and turn off the engine immediately. Once the engine is off, open the car hood to allow the smoke to escape freely. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to cool down. When you feel the smoke has decreased, try checking the car engine's function by starting it again.
If the engine functions well again, it means the clutch disc is still safe. The smoke may have been caused by you frequently playing with the half-clutch, causing the clutch to be overworked.
After running it again, you should remember to adjust the use of the car clutch to prevent excessive friction. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the fuel used and preferably use one with a high octane rating to keep the engine performance well-maintained.
Brands and Costs of Clutch Disc Replacement
There are several brands of car clutch discs with affordable prices that you can consider. The price range is below Rp500,000, making it budget-friendly. The cheapest is the AISIN DD-021LU Clutch Disc priced at Rp198,275.
Typically, the cost of replacing a car clutch disc varies, depending on the type and brand of the vehicle. For example, for the Daihatsu Xenia 1.3 L, the cost of replacing the clutch set at an official workshop will reach around Rp1.7 million. However, for the Daihatsu Xenia 1.0 L, it is only around Rp1.3 million. Even the Daihatsu Ayla only costs about Rp1 million.
Well, those are some things you can learn in more detail about car clutch discs. Don't forget to perform regular checks on other car engines to prevent stalling on the road, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa
