how do i know when the clutch needs to be replaced?

Question

symptoms of a 'dying' clutch please

it engages fine, but the shifter feels really really 'loose'.it enages like butter and has a loosey goosey feeling to it when i toggle the shifter back and forth,like if i were to shift it into gear too hard it may snap something.it stays in gear as well without issues.Could it be the shifter cables or shift tower?
the clutch pressure feels lighter as well,but no clunking noises and no signs of distress.
05 dodge neon srt-4 turbo 16k miles used car

Answer 1

When it slips excessively.

First, the clutch should be adjusted so that it is fully engaged when the pedal is released about halfway. So you should be able to push the clutch pedal down about half before you start feeling additional resistance as it disengages.

Next, If your car has a tachometer, watch it as you shift. When the clutch is fully engaged, the engine RPM should stay synced with the speed of the car. If you're holding a steady speed, but the engine rpm is changing, you've got a bad clutch.

Answer 2

While difficulty shifting may mean you clutch is wearing, it could also indicate that all you need is a simple (and much less expensive) clutch adjustment. Here's a little trick you can use to determine just how bad off your clutch is.

On level ground put your car in neutral and set the emergency brake. Put the car in 2nd gear and very slowly come off the clutch. If the clutch grabs and stalls the car your clutch plate is probably good and needs an adjustment. If you can come well up on the clutch without stalling the engine it's a good bet that the clutch is slipping and needs to be replaced.

Answer 3

when you disengage the clutch, you will hear grinding noises and the car will lurch forward. Another sign is that it becomes more and more difficult to get it into gear. Changing gears should be as smooth as butter. But the noise is the most telling factor... also, if you push down on the clutch and it is soft as a plumb, you're in trouble. The clutch should glide smoothly to the floor, but it should have some springy resistance against your foot.

Answer 4

What you're describing is more likely your shift linkage loose than the clutch. Check to make sure that's tight. It won't cost you anything to do yourself.

Answer 5

I will slip or chatter. Be sure you buy the whole clutch kit and that you resurface the flywheel. It will be like new then.

Answer 6

Also no clutch pedal freeplay.....should be 1-2" ..

Answer 7

grinding the gears often when it shouldn't

Answer 8

when it slips a lot