Sorry for the newbie question.

I've never had any experience with a slipping clutch yet (at least I don't think I do) so I'm wondering if I need a new clutch or not.

My car shifts fine, I don't have any of the problems like gears not going into place, the rpm's reving and the car not moving or weird noises when the pedal is engaged/disengaged. However, my clutch pedal is getting very soft and the friction point is very high now. I'm just wondering is this a sign that my clutch is going?

I should also mention that my car has just reached the 100,000 km mark and I know for a fact that the clutch fluid is quite dirty and should be changed soon. Will this be a factor in having the symptoms that I'm currently experiencing?

Thanx in advance.

 

Not sure what you mean by "the friction point is very high now". Yes the clutch fluid should be changed if it is really dirty. Degraded or contaminated fluid can make your clutch feel spongy. Also, if your fluid level is dropping at all, check for leaks. A common place is the carpeting above the clutch pedal. If you see fluid there you probably have a bad master clutch cylinder. This would cause pedal loss also. Other than that, I would say your clutch is probably going out.

Change the clutch fluid first since you won't have to redo this when you change your clutch. Also remember to resurface the flywheel if it needs it and replace bearings and pressure plate when you do the clutch, not just the clutch plate.

 

One test I've heard to do is to go slow, like between 5-10, then put it into 5th, if it stalls your clutch is ok, if it doesn't your clutch probably needs to be replaced.

I think this is the correct procedure, can anyone back me up?

 

[QUOTE=riversideguy]Not sure what you mean by "the friction point is very high now". QUOTE]

What I mean is when the car was brand new I usually only have to let up (engage) on the clutch about an inch before I can feel it grab, now the clutch is almost completely engaged (foot off the pedal) before it grabs. This only occurs in first gear. Second, third, forth, fifth I don't find much of a problem. Hope this is a little more clear.

Can anyone suggest any other tests?

 

yea, thats about normal. my car did the same thing. just when your clutch starts slipping, get a replacement.