Founded in Stuttgart in 1926, Mercedes-Benz is one of the leading car manufacturers in the automobile industry. From the onset, the name Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with durability and quality. The model range extends from the compact A-Class to the traditional off-road vehicle, the G-Class.
The current model of the C-Class won the title “World Car of the Year” in 2015. A component that contributed to this success is the clutch. As with any vehicle, the clutch on a Mercedes-Benz needs replacement over time.
What is the purpose of a clutch in your Mercedes?
The clutch connects and disconnects transmission between the Mercedes engine. In this sense, it serves as a link between the engine and the wheels of your Mercedes. The clutch essentially consists of two parts: the clutch disc and the pressure plate. When applying pressure on your clutch pedal, the connection between the engine and the transmission is interrupted, cutting off power to the wheels and allowing the gears to shift for further acceleration.
Signs of a Worn Clutch
When diagnosing your Mercedes clutch, many symptoms can point to its malfunction. It is essential to identify these symptoms before it leads to major problems where you cannot drive your Mercedes:
- The pedal no longer sinks as usual: When the clutch is in a good condition, the pedals are pretty sensitive. If you have to make an effort to push it in, there may be a problem with the clutch or pedal. Consider having it checked.
- The clutch pedal is abnormally hard: Apart from being sensitive, the clutch pedal is supposed to be flexible. It hardens as the clutch wears out. So, pay attention to the flexibility of your pedal.
- Shifting gears all at once becomes complicated: While driving, you change gears If you experience difficulty shifting between gears, it is probably because the clutch or your gearbox is worn. This can make driving frustrating, but above all, dangerous. You should visit your mechanic to have your clutch checked.
- The clutch slips when starting: A clutch that slips when starting up and sometimes going up in revs is also a sign that it is worn.
- You hear rubbing noise: The most symptomatic noise of a worn clutch is that of friction. It sounds as soon as you start to press the clutch pedal.
- Your Mercedes jolts at start-up: If your clutch gives very uncomfortable jerks to the car during a start, this is another clue that shows it is worn.
Reason for Wear and Tear on the Clutch
Several factors can cause clutch wear. As with many other parts, your driving habits determine its lifespan and how fast it will wear out. For instance, you can anticipate a worn out clutch if you are in the habit of shifting between gears roughly or overloading your vehicle. City driving also tends to wear out the clutch due to frequent stops resulting from traffic. Several bad habits can contribute to a worn out clutch including leaving the clutch pedal down unnecessarily, making sudden movements with it, or if you are used to starting with gear other than the first.
It is worth noting that even though you take preventive measures, your Mercedes clutch will eventually wear out naturally from constant use.
Our professionals can help you determine the level of wear on your clutch. When the clutch gets worn beyond repair, you are left with replacement as the only option available. Make an appointment with our experts to carry out the service as quickly as possible to get you back on the road.
Change the clutch as soon as it shows any sign of fatigue to be on the safe side. The longer you wait, the more severely you risk damaging your vehicle.
Escondido German Auto for Quality Automobile Services
At Escondido German Auto, Our technicians are trained and certified in all parts and technologies relating to German vehicles, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Sprinter, and Volkswagen. We are expert technicians who have proudly served clients with top-notch repair services in the communities around Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA. Contact us today to get your Mercedes Clutch back in order!