Clutch slipping...

[SHODOGG]

I have a factory Ford Clutch from SHONUT that has about 15-20k miles on it and already its starting to slip if I shift too hard and sometimes when I try to downshift to 3rd from 5th at speeds over 45mph. How much life do you think I have left in this thing before it gets to the point of being not driveable?? The trans shifts fine, not incredibly smooth but not bad at all and the TOB isnt making any noise. Any ideas how long Ive got before I really have to replace it?

 

[sdpatt]

The friction between the clutch disk and the flywheel/pressure plate that results in a slipping clutch is unrelated to the wear between the throwout bearing and pressure plate spring fingers that results in the inability to completely decouple the engine from the transaxle. The friction is dependent upon the friction materials and the condition of the metal surfaces on the flywheel and pressure plate. Hard useage may have glazed the friction surface. Or you could have over-tensioned the clutch cable that is not allowing the pressure plate to completely engage the flywheel. Try lifting up on the clutch pedal with about 10 pounds of force to loosen the take-up ratchet. A large amount of force under the clutch pedal might be able to over-tension the cable.

 

[SHODOGG]

Yeah, Ive tried pulling on the clutch really hard a couple times but it just wont budge. The clutch has DEFINITELY been glazed over before, not by me but by a stupid carwash attendant. Bastard smoked the thing but that was about 4 months ago and it felt fine immediately after. I guess it reduced the life of the clutch though. Those guys definitely got an earful when I saw them do that.

 

[Zap]

I think this is exactly why places have ME pull the SHO in when getting tire work or the like done. That and I probably look like I will rip their innards out if they even think they are going to drive it. wink