Author Topic: any way to test clutch life? (Read 2908 times)

fixierider84 · « **on:** June 01, 2011, 08:50:52 PM »

How do you know if your clutch is on its way out. The reason I ask is that the clutch grabs at the last bit of travel in the pedal. I don't think I feel it slipping, but I am not entirely sure. Is there any way to know if it is time for a new one, or should I drive it until it starts slipping? Thanks in advance!

Evan

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2011, 07:27:49 AM »

You'll feel the clutch slipping if it's worn. Revs will climb on hills and/or high load situations.

The brake pedal range can be adjusted but I don't think the clutch can.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:58:18 AM »

You can try bleeding the clutch too. There's a bleed screw on the top of the slave cylinder on the front-driver's side of the transmission. Just make sure the brake fluid reservoir remains filled at or past the clutch feed line so you don't pull air in! Find a friend of family member to operate the pedal & you can turn the wrench, and that's all there is to it.

monty23psk · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2011, 12:58:00 PM »

search youtube for bleeding clutch slave cylinder with an spray oil can, pretty cool and one person job. Forces air back to reservoir.

fixierider84 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:38:26 PM »

Thanks for the responses guys! I have a weekend project to try out. Is it common for our clutches to need air bled out of them? I can only assume that is is the original clutch and fluid, since I do not have the service records.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:58:02 PM »

It isn't too common to have air in there, but it is cheap & easy to check.

More typically, the spring fingers on the pressure plate sag over time and the slave cylinder/throw-out bearing can't travel far enough to fully disengage the clutch. The only cure is a new pressure plate.