How can I tell if the clutch in my Saturn SL2 is about to go out?

Question

sometimes when i take off i can hear a noise like there is something loose in my car. this is the first manuel trans. that i have ever owned and im afraid that i might have burnt out of started to burn out the clutch.

the loose noise is sort of a rattling that goes away after i get going

Answer 1

The clutch will slip, much like an automatic transmission vehicle. The revs will go up but your car won't go anywhere. These clutches are self adjusting, so once it starts to slip, it's time for a new clutch. "Something loose" is too broad to define. What does it sound like? Is it a chirping? Whining? Is it jerking/shuddering? What you're probably doing is slipping the clutch or double clutching. You'll get better at it, these clutches are durable. The first car I ever learned how to drive stick on was also a Saturn, and it was the first clutch I ever replaced myself ;)

Answer 2

The advice about the clutch test is a good idea. It's the same like if the revs climb while you are going uphill in 4th or 5th and the car isn't going faster. This is called 'clutch slip' and normally it's due either to a weak pressure plate, a worn out driven plate or oil getting on the clutch plates -- or sometimes it's all three. So try that test and if it's 'slipping' then it needs fixing. Usually the mechanic will get an exchange clutch and pressure plate as a set and fit them, along with a new thrust bearing. That way it's all good.

If there is slipping due to an oil leak from the rear engine seal, the whole lot has to come off anyway to get at it. The seal is a five or ten dollar part but naturally it's a pretty big job to fix it. But it's rare for the seal to let go under 50,000 miles, so your car's mileage is a factor. How soon the clutch wears out depends on a lot more -- how often you change gear, how hard it's revved at changes, how much load it's pulling and all that. So a car's clutch can let go at 10,000 miles on one car, and one of the same make and year will do 50,000 if it's had an easier life.

However, we dont know exactly what kind of noise you mean. You say it's like something loose -- do mean a sort of rattling noise that then goes away? If so, it could be a broken exhaust bracket, even.

If the clutch seems to be fine, then get a mechanic to have a listen so he or she can diagnose the fault better.

In any case, you are doing the wise thing to check it out before 'it' fails completely. It's always better to do the repairs before it really lets go, whatever it is!

Good luck :)

Answer 3

billy_b has the best solution for you! The noise you are hearing could just be a loose clutch. My truck was like that, but let me assure you, my truck is 23 yrs. old and the clutch has yet to be replaced. Just don't slam the clutch in or let it out too fast! You'll be fine.

Answer 4

ok put the car in the higest gear like 5 th gear put on foot on the break and let the clutch out with the other if the engien dies quickly the clutch is ok if it runs for longer then a couple os seconds you need a new clutch