Evaluation Of The Clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Depress and release the clutch pedal slowly to check if the pedal is binding. Make sure the clutch pedal can be fully depressed and is not restricted by the floor mat. Verify that the pedal return spring is present and functions correctly.
Measure the clutch reserve. GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
With the engine idling, the parking brake on and the clutch pedal up, gently move the gearshift lever toward reverse gear, until gear clash can be heard. Depress the clutch pedal slowly.
- If the gears cease to clash (full disengage at 1 to 1.5 inch from the floor), then hold the pedal at the point of disengagement and increase engine to 4,000 RPM. The clutch should remain disengaged, clutch OK.
- Any concerns indicate a worn or damaged clutch. Repair as necessary.
With the engine idling, move the gearshift lever into 4th gear. Increase the RPM to 2,000 and slowly release the clutch pedal.
- If the engine stalls, clutch is OK.
- If the engine does not stall, clutch slipping. Repair as necessary.
Compare the clutch evaluation results with the following table. The following list of conditions are typical faults into which clutch concerns will fall.

SYMPTOM CHART - CLUTCH

Conditions/Sources	Action
Clutch Slippage Symptom Chart - Clutch Clutch pedal reserve Diaphragm springs Clutch pressure plate Clutch disc facing Hardened or oiled clutch disc facing surface Flywheel	GO to PINPOINT TEST A .
Clutch Chatter, Rattle or Shudder Engine mounts Oil on clutch disc facing Diaphragm springs Clutch pressure plate Clutch disc facing Flywheel Clutch disc	GO to PINPOINT TEST B .
Clutch Drag Insufficient clutch fluid Air in hydraulic system Clutch pedal reserve Diaphragm springs Clutch disc Clutch disc splines Oil on facing	GO to PINPOINT TEST C .
Clutch Pedal Pulsation Clutch and brake pedal pivot shaft not correctly lubricated Flywheel Worn springs in pressure plate	GO to PINPOINT TEST D .
Clutch Related Vibrations Engine component grounding against frame Accessory drive belt Flywheel bolts Flywheel Imbalanced clutch pressure plate	GO to PINPOINT TEST E .
Hard Shifting Insufficient clutch fluid Clutch pedal reserve Transaxle concern	GO to PINPOINT TEST F .
Excessive Noise Clutch pedal reserve Clutch slave cylinder Pilot bearing Excessive crankshaft end play	GO to PINPOINT TEST G .
Clutch System Leakage Clutch master cylinder Clutch slave cylinder Clutch hydraulic tubes	GO to PINPOINT TEST H .
If the clutch was the concern, REPAIR the clutch system. TEST the system for normal operation.