Clutch and Manual Transmission Service

Those of us who love to drive know that there’s no comparison between a manual transmission and an automatic. A manual transmission offers a far more engaging driving experience, with more control and an unparalleled feeling of being one with the vehicle. Additionally, manual transmissions are comparatively easy and cheap to repair. That being said, stick shifts possess wearable parts that require regular replacement.

When you notice your clutch is dragging, hear a grinding noise when you attempt to change gears, or any of the other telltale signs listed here, your manual transmission needs service, and it’s time to visit an experienced BMW mechanic near IL.

Dragging Clutch

A dragging clutch is caused by the clutch disc failing to disengage from the flywheel. This means that when you press the clutch down as far as you can, it still resists changing gears. To alleviate this problem, the clutch pedal needs to be adjusted. An experienced mechanic can tighten up the link, which probably has too much slack. This will allow the clutch to disengage from the flywheel easily and quickly when you press the pedal.

Slipping Clutch

Unlike a dragging clutch, a slipping clutch causes your transmission to disengage easily, but it won’t re-engage correctly. You may also hear a sliding or whining noise when the engine revs, and even though the engine is racing, you won’t get the expected acceleration.

This indicates your clutch disc is wearing out. The more it wears down, the less friction is provided by the high-friction surface, until it eventually slides against the flywheel instead of meshing flush with it. Most vehicles with manual transmissions require the clutch disc to be replaced every 50,000 miles or so.

Difficulty Changing Gears or Putting the Vehicle in Gear

Problems with the hydraulic system, which transfers the input from the gear shift knob to the transmission, can cause issues when you’re changing gears. It may eventually make it impossible to put the car in gear, only allow it to shift into reverse, or give you trouble shifting in or out of certain gears – but no matter what – difficulties shifting indicate a problem with the hydraulic system.

These issues can be caused by dirty transmission fluid, or not having enough fluid in the system, which may indicate a leak. There’s also a chance that the master cylinder needs to be replaced.

For a full evaluation, it’s important to have your manual transmission checked out by an experienced mechanic, as leaking fluid can cause your transmission to run dry causing significant damage. Burning odors are another indication of too little fluid in the system – causing the metal components of your transmission to grind against one another without proper lubrication, which is certain to cause major problems.

Clutch Repair and Replacement Service

At Chicago Motors, we offer the highest level of customer service and provide you with the highest quality and most efficient clutch and manual repair service in Chicago, IL. In fact, you won’t find better service from any other Audi, Lexus, or BMW mechanics near Illinois or Indiana.

Don’t trust your luxury model or foreign vehicle to just anyone. Contact our dedicated team of Audi, Lexus, and BMW mechanics – and have the job done right the first time!