English
Causes of grabbing clutches
If the clutch grabs, the problem may not necessarily lie with the clutch itself.
Worn engine mounts or poor engine adjustment can also prevent smooth clutch engagement.
Installing the wrong clutch disk can also cause the clutch to grab.
Causes of grabbing clutches - Therefore check:
- Use of correct parts for the vehicle
- Associated system components / check all parts for wear and correct settings
Clutch Disc friction material contaminated with oil or grease
Cause:
- Damaged transmission or engine sealing
- Excessive grease on the transmission input shaft or pilot bearing
- Leakage in hydraulic clutch actuation system
Consequence:
- Even minor traces of oil or grease adversely affect friction values, and thus start-up performance when the clutch is engaged.
Clutch Disc hub spline damaged
Cause:
- Transmission shaft and clutch hub forced together during installation
Consequence:
- Clutch disk moves jerkily on the transmission input shaft.
Please note:
May also cause drag.
Clutch Housing deformed
Cause:
- Attachment screws not professionally tightened during installation. Not tightened in a cross-wise, over-center sequence.
- Clutch pressure plate not correctly centered in the flywheel
Consequence:
- Lop-sided pressure plate lift
Please note:
Disengage issues may occur if the problem is severe.
Tangential leaf springs deformed (MX clutch pressure plates – VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda)
Cause:
- Incorrect counter-holding technique, e.g. with a screwdriver, when bolting down clutch pressure plate
Consequence:
- Lop-sided pressure plate lift
Please note:
May also cause drag
Important:
Counter-hold the crankshaft at the front side of the engine with an appropriate wrench.
Worn engine / transmission mounts
Cause:
- Worn components
Consequence:
- Leads to pseudo-judder (bonanza effect) in driveline when the clutch engages during start-up.
Please note:
Always check these components for signs of wear.
