Manual transmission trucks are something that many heavy duty truck drivers enjoy because of the control this type of transmission offers them. This is ideal for drivers who spend most of their time on the open road, but those who are driving through small towns and in heavy traffic will need to use their clutch more often. This increased engagement of the clutch and lead to it acting up and this can, in turn, lead to a number of other problems.
Potential Clutch Problems
Clutch problems can occur at any time and for a number of reasons. This is not a very comforting thought for heavy duty truck drivers, it is an important fact that they need to know. It is also important that they understand how to properly use their clutch and the fact that no clutch lasts forever.
When used correctly, you will not have to replace your clutch for a long time. If there is a need to replace the clutch, the flywheel will also need to be looked at. In these situations, the flywheel may also need to be replaced.
Clutch Care
If you want to get the most out of the clutch, it is important that you never ride the clutch which you drive. If you are slipping the clutch too often, the temperature will increase and the brake disc will be affected. The flywheel will also be damaged when you do this.
Over time, the clutch will also become worn which reduces the thickness. This results in less area for the pressure plate to clamp onto. When this happens, there will be an increase in slippage which tends to occur more frequently when the truck is carrying a heavy load or traveling at a low speed up a hill.
Clutch Diagnosis
Clutch problems are not always very easy to diagnose because there are other issues which could cause the problems that you experience with the clutch. An example of this will be a loose engine mount misalignment. This will cause a sound which is similar to the one the clutch makes when it is worn and has problems. Clutch noises that you think tells you about a clutch problem, may not actually need you to replace the clutch.
If your clutch does not release all the way when you press it down all the way, you will not be able to shift gears properly. This is going to cause grinding and that is not good. If you are unsure about the clutch diagnosis, you need to take your truck to a professional truck repair shop. They will be able to properly diagnose any problems that you have and take the right steps to rectify them.
Driving a manual truck can offer you greater control, but there are clutch problems that you need to be aware of. Clutch problems are hard to diagnose and it is recommended that you call your truck to a profession for this.