Why Is My Clutch Slipping? Causes and Fixes for Redding Drivers
Shift Smoothly Again Without Slipping, Grinding, or Sticking
A slipping clutch wears out faster the longer you drive on it. We inspect the clutch, flywheel, and hydraulics and fix it right the first time.
Slipping now and then: book soon and drive gently. Pedal goes to the floor or won't come back up: stop driving and call us.
Why is my clutch slipping? Most often the clutch disc is simply worn out. A worn flywheel, a leaking clutch master or slave cylinder, or oil leaking onto the clutch can also make it slip.
On a manual transmission, a slipping clutch feels like the engine revs climb without the car speeding up to match, especially going uphill or under load. The pedal may engage higher than it used to, and you might notice a burning smell.
Common causes of clutch problems
- A worn clutch disc. Normal wear over time, faster with towing or city driving. Clutch repair
- A worn or hot-spotted flywheel. It's usually resurfaced or replaced with the clutch.
- Hydraulic problems. A leaking master or slave cylinder causes a soft pedal or trouble shifting.
- Oil leaking onto the clutch. A rear main seal leak can make it slip.
- Grinding when shifting. Usually a clutch that isn't fully releasing, or worn synchronizers. Transmission repair
Revs climbing but not going faster?
Book a clutch inspection before it slips at the worst moment.
How we find the cause and fix it
- We road test the car to feel the slip and engagement point.
- We check the clutch hydraulics for leaks and air.
- If the clutch is worn, we replace it and resurface or replace the flywheel.
- You get an estimate before any work, and the repair is covered by our 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.
Get back the control you bought a stick shift for.
Book a clutch repair with an estimate before any work.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Book soon and drive gently. A slipping clutch can leave you unable to climb hills or accelerate into traffic, and it can damage the flywheel if it keeps slipping. If the pedal goes to the floor or won't return, stop driving and call us. See also burning smell.
Services we offer that could fix your problem
We confirm the cause first, then recommend only the repair you need.
Common questions
Why Is My Clutch Slipping?
Most often the clutch disc is simply worn out. A worn flywheel, a leaking clutch master or slave cylinder, or oil leaking onto the clutch can also make it slip.
How do I know if my clutch is slipping?
The engine revs rise without the car speeding up, especially uphill or when accelerating hard. The engagement point may also feel higher.
How long does a clutch last?
Often 60,000 to 100,000 miles or more, depending on driving style, towing, and traffic.
Do you replace the flywheel with the clutch?
We inspect it every time and resurface or replace it when needed, so the new clutch engages smoothly.