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Thread: Slipping Clutch

  1. #1

    Default Slipping Clutch

    I knew I was going to replace my clutch soon as I was detecting a little bit of slipping. It has 100k miles on it.

    However today it got dramatically worse. It began as a burning smell while pulling away from a stop light. Now when I gas it, the clutch slips badly before catching.

    Any idea how long I have? I was hoping to replace it at the end of the month. Will it last that long?
    ...and across the line.

    1996 Mazda Miata - R-Package (Eve-L)
    2012 Mazda CX-9 - Grand Touring (Dory)




  2. #2
    Driver creek's Avatar
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    Default

    How slow can you drive? When mine started slipping it went from mild to wouldn't pull 5th in less than 500 miles. It was oiled though, not worn out.
    Stripe Das Sape

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  3. #3
    Obnoxious at any speed altiain's Avatar
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    Default

    Replace your slave cylinder first.
    Iain

    "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

  4. #4

    Default

    That's no slave cylinder..... If it's gotten that bad that quick, I doubt if it will survive much longer. Are there any new leaks? Sounds(smells) like an oil leak......
    92 Sunny 214k, 95 Dimples, 93 James Bondo, 92 SM (Speedie Jr )
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  5. #5

    Default

    Good point MadMerv. If it's slipping in 1st gear, imagine how progressively worse it will get in higher gears. Something is making it slip and it's not just wear.

  6. #6

    Default

    There is no way to predict how long a slipping clutch will last. Sometimes you can drive on it for a year sometimes it will randomly go out in a day.

    Save a number to a cheap tow company in your phone just in case!

  7. #7

    Default

    Or add a good (upgraded?) towing package to your insurance.

    Good advice for most people that drive further than 10 miles from home.


    Chris
    91 Miata (#3), Rattle Can Grey(previous owner), Greddy Turbo @7 PSI and Manifold (Only items remaining from the kit), TDR I/C, Godspeed Radiator, RM DP, 2.5 Enthuza Bipes, BEGI AFPR, ACT, Lightened Stock Flywheel, Yellow Konis, FCM on Stock Springs, HDM2S, MOMO Wheel, Ratsback Front CF Lip, Black Rota's on EcstaXS, Corrado Rotors & XP8's on Front w/ 1.8 rears.

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  8. #8

    Default

    If it is slipping that badly, then replace the clutch now. Trying to limp it along is a gamble that could leave you stranded. The slipping and smoking is an effective indicator that it is time to pull out the transmission and assess your car's status.

    Hint: There are two possible "burning" smells possible.
    a) smells like burning oil/fluids (smells like oil on exhaust)
    b) smells like burning brakes/clutch (smells like Johnwag's car at MSR)

    If it is (b), then you should be reasonably assured that the clutch is worn out. Replace it.

    If it is (a), you can be reasonably assured that the clutch is oil-soaked. Replace it and look for leaks while you're down there.

    Just like water pumps and timing belts, it makes sense to replace the rear main seal with the clutch. It saves hassles later.
    1994 R-package - gone, but not forgotten.
    1966 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Restification in progress. or should I say De-RUSTification in progress?
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  9. #9

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    If you want to tackle it yourself, you are welcome to do it at my place on the lift.

  10. #10
    Obnoxious at any speed altiain's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MadMerv View Post
    That's no slave cylinder.....
    That's what Bean thought as well... until we got the slave cylinder off of his car this past weekend.
    Iain

    "We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

  11. #11
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    Quote Originally Posted by altiain View Post
    until we got the slave cylinder off of his car this past weekend.
    Or what was left of it.

  12. #12

  13. #13

    Default

    I say you've got a bad clutch...
    '94 Black & Black & Tan
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