When your automatic transmission acts up, you have a problem that you do not need to ignore. Steel plate manufacturers design components such as the clutch plates in your transmission to withstand heat and friction and help your truck run smoothly. Replacing these plates at the first sign of trouble can help you avoid further damage. To do this, you must know how to recognize the signs that your clutch plates have worn out.
Performance Issues
The clutch plates and the clutch disks work together in your automatic transmission system to deliver the engine’s power in a controlled manner. The plates and disks are alternated on the shaft of the transmission. The disks have tabs that match up to grooves in the drum, and they have a special coating to allow them to adhere to the plates without grinding them. The plates are grooved to allow for proper lubrication and thus heat and friction control.
When a plate is worn out, you may notice it in the vehicle’s performance. The engine will sound like it is racing when the gears shift without providing any extra noticeable movement. The vehicle may also take off more slowly than usual from a stop position. These are signs that the transmission is slipping, and you need to have it inspected so that it can be repaired before it causes further damage.
Sensory Indications
The best way to tell if the clutch plates need to be replaced is by looking at the plates themselves. Steel plate manufacturers construct plates with lateral grooves. If these grooves have worn off, the plates will need to be replaced. If the plate is worn or shows signs of damage from overheating, or if the grooves you see are radial, that is probably what is causing your transmission trouble.
When the plates in your clutch wear out, the material from them has to go somewhere. Drain your transmission pan. If a dark sediment remains in the pan, that sludge is most likely composed of shavings from your clutch plates. If the transmission fluid itself is dark or smells burnt, it’s probably a sign that your transmission components are too worn to offset the heat caused by friction.
There are performance, visual and olfactory signs that your clutch plates are past their prime. If your transmission shows signs of slipping, it might be in need of immediate repair. Replacing worn clutch plates with quality parts will help your transmission work the way you need it to work. Browse the website for more information.
