Clutch wear question

[suprabahamut]

I am not having trouble yet, but the clutch does have some miles on it. I was wanting to know what are signs when a clutch is about to go? Or if there are any signs at all. One question I do have is when I am shifting when the car is cold it sounds like a small blow off valve I am pretty sure it is the throw out bearing but, how bad is it when they start to go? can they tear up the transmission or other parts or is it just a maintenance part?

[Stupra]

Originally Posted by suprabahamut

I am not having trouble yet, but the clutch does have some miles on it. I was wanting to know what are signs when a clutch is about to go? Or if there are any signs at all. One question I do have is when I am shifting when the car is cold it sounds like a small blow off valve I am pretty sure it is the throw out bearing but, how bad is it when they start to go? can they tear up the transmission or other parts or is it just a maintenance part?

A clutch doesn't usually just GO. You'll know when it's time to replace it. It will start slipping and gradually get worse. Although I have had one blow out on me but that is usually never the case. If your release bearing goes it would damage the pressure plate and you'd definitely know when that happens. It's possible but the clutch itself should start to give before the bearing ever goes unless someone was lazy on the last change out and left the old bearing in. Just keep an eye on your higher gears. That is when you'll first start noticing your clutch slipping.

[suprabahamut]

Thanks for answering it makes me feel more relived now. I thought I would have no time at all it would just fail and I would have to park it. I will be looking for these signs in the future.