Question about Clutches

[NuroMancer]

So I will first say that I don' t know alot about the mechanical aspects of cars, but I am a quick study. Just never had the time to put into learning .

Anyway,

I am curious if it is possible for a clutch to lose grip when engaged. For example, if you are driving down the road in 2nd gear, hit the gass, and the revs go up but the acceleration takes a few seconds to catch up, or they jump up and then fall back down.

Thanks in advance for the help.

(Oh and its going in for service soon anyway, I'm just curious)

 

[NuroMancer]

Sry about the double post, I swear I got an error the first time it posted, and when I refreshed the page it wasn't there. I mean, if I ask twice I will get an answer twice as fast?

 

[Demo24]

yes, thats 'clutch slipping'. Basically the clutch is worn out and cant handle the power from the engine enough to transfer it effectively to the transmission. If yours is doing that then it means its time for a new one.

 

[dawp]

unless it's an older model and /or has a cable clutch that can be adjusted.may be able to extend the life if thats the case.

friend of mine had a newer nisson that had a cable clutch and not hydrolic.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

yes, like demo responded thats one possibility. if you have upgraded with forced induction of some type or some serious n/a tuning, it can slip due to insufficient pressure from the pressure plate as well though, thats the only other way it will slip. that or a really crappy friction material.

 

[amdhunter]

What about the shifter popping out of gear? What would cause that? When I used to browse the 8thCivic forums a lot of 06+ Si owners complained that the stick would jump out of gear.

Or maybe I read something wrong, is it possible?

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
What about the shifter popping out of gear? What would cause that? When I used to browse the 8thCivic forums a lot of 06+ Si owners complained that the stick would jump out of gear.

Or maybe I read something wrong, is it possible?

It happens. Some transmissions are more susceptible than others. It basically happens because the dog teeth on the output gear for that...gear...are worn, and can cause the dog gear to pop out, disengaging the transmission from the engine. How did it get worn, you ask? Probably because someone's abusing their transmission.

As I mentioned before, though, some transmissions are more susceptible than others. For example, 5th gear popout is a fairly well-known problem on mk1 MR2s. They don't all have it, but quite a few do, and always 5th gear. Clearly they should have beefed it up a bit more.

/edit: Found a website with great illustrations to help you conceptualize:
http://www.carbibles.com/transmission_bible.html