• Important clutch operations include starting in the right gear, proper clutch engagement, not pushing the clutch to the floor and engaging the clutch brake while the vehicle is rolling, and recognizing clutch malfunctions and the need for re-adjustment.
• Clutch noise that is out-of-the-ordinary may mean that there is looseness or wear in the clutch or one of the associated parts (throw-out bearing, linkage, etc.) or it could be a sign of poor lubrication.
• If the driver is trained on what to expect from the clutch, how to treat it, and how to answer clutch-related questions from the technician, the driver can become an active member of the PM program with regards to the clutch.

Important clutch skills

A clutch can’t last forever, but its life can be extended by good driving technique and a driver that knows when it needs to be adjusted. The skills most important to master in clutch operations are:

• Starting in the right gear,
• Engaging the clutch properly,
• Not pushing the clutch to the floor and engaging the clutch brake while the vehicle is rolling, and
• Recognizing clutch malfunctions and the need for re-adjustment.

Riding and slipping the clutch, disengaging and engaging the clutch while coasting, and coasting with the clutch released and the transmission in gear will shorten clutch life.

Drivers help in diagnosing clutch problems

The driver can also be helpful in diagnosing clutch problems. For example:

• Clutch noise that is out-of-the-ordinary may mean that there is looseness or wear in the clutch or one of the associated parts (throw-out bearing, linkage, etc.).
• It could also be a sign of poor lubrication.
• Clutch slippage could be a sign of worn clutch facings or a lack of clutch pedal free play.

Does the driver know when the clutch is slipping and why? Clutch drag (the clutch not fully releasing when the pedal is pushed) might be caused by poor adjustment or something as serious as a warped drive disc.

Is the driver having a hard time putting the transmission into gear without grinding when stopped? This can indicate the clutch brake is bad or that the clutch is not adjusted correctly.

Technicians can help drivers to be specific about complaints by asking questions, such as:

• When does the problem occur?
• Is it only present at certain speeds or in certain gears?
• Does the problem disappear when power is increased or decreased?

If the driver is trained on what to expect out of the clutch, how to treat it, and how to answer clutch-related questions, the driver can become an active member of the preventive maintenance (PM) program with regards to the clutch. The clutch is a prime example of a component where the driver’s knowledge can keep maintenance costs down by catching problems early.