[paqman]

I have just a couple of questions about the clutch. First off, I've been driving manual transmissions for about 16 years, so I'm not new to it, and I feel like I've treated them pretty well. I've never had any go out on me or anything. But it was only recently that I actually learned how they work, and it has made me question my use and how hard it is wearing on the clutch.

I don't "ride" the clutch while driving or anything, my main question is during take off from a stop. I typically like a nice smooth start, not a quick jolt off the line, and not a shaky start, so to achieve that, I slowly let the clutch out every time. But in learning how the clutch works, I realize that I am basically doing a lot of slipping to achieve this nice smooth start, which I've learned will wear down the clutch faster. Now, I don't want to drop the clutch either, I hear that can cause damage to gears and other areas, plus it doesn't give me the smooth start that I want. Is my clutch use considered normal use? Or is there a better way to do it?

My last question is about the clutch replacement. I just bought the mustang in my sig, and it has about 86K miles on it. I don't know if the clutch has ever been replaced, and it feels fine to me at this point. I can contact the previous owner, but he's only had it for about 4 years, so he may not know if it's been replaced before that. Is the clutch something I can just wait till I feel it slipping before I replace it without damaging other stuff, or should I replace it at a certain point whether or not I feel it going out? I've looked at info on how to replace it, and I'm pretty sure I could do it myself, so I'd just be looking at parts cost, which doesn't seem to be too high. I'm just curious.

[SWEET2KSTANG]

the organic clutches (stock/stock replacements) are made for that kind of duty, so no need to worry about your smooth starts. if you arent revving it high while doing it, riding it too long, etc; it will be just fine. its not only the slip that will wear down the clutch, but the heat plays a factor too.

as far are when to replace it, just whenever its starts sliping. when it starts slipping, then invest. you arent going to hurt anything as long as you arent trying to slam it into gear or whatever when it starts to go.

[zigbigadoru]

you also have to keep in mind that it isnt at that friction point for but a few seconds unless your REAAAAAALLY slipping it so the amount of wear and heat that is being exposed in those few seconds isnt going to be great on the grand scheme of things

[TheUNZippee!]

Letting the clutch out a little slow, and smooth, is not wearing it adversely unless you are smashing your giant man foot down on the accelerator whilst doing so.

If you are doing that, stop it! You're mean! To clutches.


But to do so while barely touching the throttle is not mean, and is in fact loving and caring. And perhaps slightly erotic.