Why Does the Car Clutch Make Noise When Released?

The sound of the clutch when released is one of the signs that there is a disturbance in the manual transmission system of the car. Usually, the sound appears immediately when the foot slowly lifts off the clutch pedal.

Sometimes the sound disappears when the pedal is no longer pressed. However, in some cases, the sound does not go away. So what are the causes of the car clutch making noise when released? To clarify, let's take a look at the following review.

1. Worn clutch disc

The noise that occurs after the car clutch is released can be caused by a worn clutch disc. The clutch disc can wear out due to the age of the car's usage.

Why does this noise occur? Because there is friction between the flywheel and the clutch plate when the disc is worn. In essence, this friction also produces noise and it is considered normal if the disc is thick enough to dampen it. On the other hand, if the disc is thin, the friction noise can be heard inside the car cabin.

The noise that arises from a worn clutch disc usually sounds like a scraping noise and a burnt smell can be detected from under the car.

2. Weak clutch spring

The clutch spring functions to reduce jolts and vibrations during the process of connecting and disconnecting power from the engine to the transmission. If its function is still good, then the process of connecting power from the spring pressure will be smoother and can even dampen noise.

It’s a different story if the clutch spring is weak. When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch has the potential to slip and produce noise even if the condition of the clutch disc is still good.

3. Uneven surface of the flywheel or pressure plate

The car clutch consists of 3 plates: the flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch plate. The flywheel and pressure plate both serve as the source of rotation while the clutch plate receives the rotation.

When the clutch operates, the friction between the flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch plate will wear down the clutch disc layer, which is why the car's clutch disc will wear out depending on usage. It is also possible that this condition can cause the flywheel or pressure plate to wear down due to a worn clutch disc that has not been replaced.

If the pressure plate or flywheel is worn down, then its surface becomes uneven. As a result, the car clutch will vibrate and produce noise and vibrations when the clutch is released.

4. Worn and dry release bearing

The release bearing has grease inside. Over time, the grease can dry out and wear down. In this condition, the friction that occurs due to the movement of the clutch makes a clicking sound when the clutch pedal is released or pressed.

5. Noise from the transmission

The noise heard when the clutch is released can come from the transmission gears. It is possible that the engine RPM is too low or the selected transmission gear is too high, causing noise when the clutch is released.

Usually, the noise from the transmission is still within a normal range. But if it continues to appear, there may be a problem with the transmission that needs to be checked at a workshop.

In conclusion, not all noises that occur when the car clutch is released are concerning. Some are still within a normal range due to the friction activity from the transmission shift.

However, if the noise does not go away, sounds very disturbing especially if accompanied by a burnt smell coming from under the car, then further inspection should be conducted.

Do not take lightly if these signs of clutch problems have appeared. Because if left too long, other components of the car could also be affected.