What kills your clutch, and how to avoid it | Auto Expert John Cadogan

[@DanWallis86]

As a mechanic I kind of love it when you see people sitting at the lights riding the clutch, holding their car in one point. I’ve got a mortgage to pay. I’m happy to take their dollars.

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Tradies are especially skilled at this. They balance on that friction plate like it's an Olympic sport.

[@apn42]

I have always hated vehicle abuse, deliberate or by mistake.

[@khalidacosta7133]

My ex thought she was a skilled driver she could hold the car on the clutch and better than me because I didn't. I reminded her that I could, I just chose not to. Big difference. My car? 250k on original clutch. Her car? 40k and £500 bill. This was part of the reason she's an ex. You can't fix stupid and I definitely don't want to be with someone stupid. Stupid people cost you money.

[@mcduck5]

I know of tractor drivers who can kill a clutch in 2 weeks of apple harvest, Its a skill lol

[@MadLadMartyMcFly85]

@@khalidacosta7133 she sounds un educated on the subject🤷‍♂️ maybe you the dummy for not educating🤷‍♂️😜

[@MaxFromSydney1]

And here I was my whole manual driving life, selecting neutral at every red light, not to protect my engine, but ‘cause I’m lazy and don’t want the left leg workout at the lights.

[@DOC19581]

Me too. A Holden V8 doesn’t have the lightest clutch, and it’s much easier to just drop it into neutral.

[@krissteel4074]

Good as modern clutches are, they're still essentially a wear item like brake pads and will eventually give out after long enough of normal use. So sad and inconveniently expensive as it seems, it does mean they're also the bit in the middle that means not having many 1000's of bucks down the drain with a transmission or differential shitting the bed instead.

[@brianwalker1933]

Same here mate. 😊👍👍

[@helbertdiaz6351]

A free tip, keep her neutral and have an eye on the opposing lights, when they turn yellow or amber is the moment to start depressing your clutch and engaging you gear, the one of your choice, by the time you get a green light, you gonna be ready to take off...it work for me...could do for you too.

[@zoltantoth7286]

There was once a time when the lights went amber on the way from red to green, giving you time to engage first gear. It was phased out in Melbourne during the '80s.

[@barryandrew]

Congratulations, John. How you kept a straight face while linking the ming molls to the attributes of the clutch components was a miracle to behold.

[@AutoExpertJC]

There were a few outtakes mate...

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

@@AutoExpertJC Is it actually possible to stay away from a Ming Moll's yield point? So much stress, and strain.

[@rustypotatos]

@@AutoExpertJC HAHAHHAHAHAHA

[@snells-window]

Clutch pedal has only one use - to change gears. If you are not actually changing gears, which only takes a second, then get off the pedal

[@MeppyMan]

Hill starts. And you don’t always need the clutch to change :)

[@byronnightingale5550]

Great video John, I can point the finger at driving instructors. The one I had told me to stop at the traffic light select first gear, and sit at the light until it turns green. Kill the thrust race a little at the time. Talk about teaching a driver how to kill the thrust race!

[@jasonarnold7578]

Christ John, that could have been a one minute video. I think the Ming Moles made it worth watching the entire video...

[@craigdavidson2278]

Wish he put a time stamp on the video.....for easier research purposes obviously 🙄

[@brentonl1746]

Fricken boring my tips off.

[@12cm32]

Piss on the pot or get off works for me; Mostly..

[@bramscheDave]

John, I wrote you a email a couple of years back, about my experiences with a VW Golf that did a Blues Brothers on the motorway. During the rebuild, along with the supplier repeatedly delivering the wrong clutch, the VW Golf clutches that were delivered broke the first time the mechanic depressed the clutch pedal - 3 or 4 clutches. In the end, VW sent a technician to the garage to investigate; they assumed the mechanic was a complete prat who didn't know what he was doing. He watched, everything went together properly, as it should. And... Peng! The technician had also brought a new clutch direct from VW. The mechanic put it in and it worked perfectly. It turned out that the clutches were from a faulty batch, the springs weren't hardened (over hardened?) and were brittle. After that, the new clutch lasted over 250,000 miles - I lost track of the vehicle after that.

[@ridingwithpat]

Thanks John, the 10 people in Australia still driving manual vehicles must have loved this. There are times the diaphragm spring fails, I guess those engineers who designed those springs failed metallurgy. What happens is the fingers give up pushing back against the thrust bearing and this results in a larger than is comfortable pedal force being required to hold the clutch disengaged. Those diaphragm Springs are very clever, because when they deform just enough they sort of pop inside out and the force required to hold the clutch disengaged is much lower that it otherwise might be. The failure of the diaphragm spring isn't consistent across all the fingers, the result is while one side of the pressure plate is disengaged the other side isn't, the thrust race rattles because it isn't carrying an even load, and gear select becomes more difficult. I, being a lazy fat ex motor mechanic would on my 50 minute cross-city commute, slip the gearbox out of gear as I slowed down to stop by eliminating the load on the gearbox by modulating the throttle thus avoiding the need to lift my fat left leg until it was time to engage a gear when the traffic re-commenced forward motion.

[@martintaper7997]

Engineers usually don't study metallurgy, metallurgists usually do that.

[@ridingwithpat]

@@martintaper7997 I'm sure there's some study of the science in the curriculum.

[@benharris7957]

Hey guys it’s actually illegal to be in neutral, do that on a driving test and it’s a instant fail but yes it will save all the components.

[@martintaper7997]

@@benharris7957 It's not illegal to be in neutral at stand still.

[@martintaper7997]

@@ridingwithpat Yes there is indeed and as I studied; "materials science" it was called back then, but metallurgy is something on it's own and closer to chemistry than engineering. Engineers are interested in the physical properties, the brewing they don't need to know that much about.

[@z06doc86]

Good lecture. Love the technical engineering/physics videos. The intermission clip was particularly good and satisfying. I suggest you provide one such intermission with each video (or perhaps more). Thank you John.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Wow...this video was a Ming Mole extravaganza! And the clutch tutorial wasn't bad either. Keep up the good work.

[@wolffram1]

My old man always carried on about not riding the clutch, and sitting in neutral at the lights. Well, it turns out that he wasn't just being annoying! Thanks John, for another informative talk, and a good laugh as well.

[@adamdixon2251]

On the bike being in gear saved my life once. Car behind me didn't see the red and would have run up my arse at 60kph. I dropped the clutch and got out of the way

[@stevem268]

i was taught, many years ago, to do exactly as you say. Put the gearbox in neutral and take my foot off the clutch. if i remember correctly, in england this was a requirement during a driving test. in addition one had to apply the handbrake at a red light. my first driving licence was in england in 1974 and i'm pretty sure that this was all required at a traffic light.

[@bradstott8812]

I must thank you John for bringing back the Ming moles. Most uplifting.

[@M0LHA]

Oh god I've learned a thing. I always wondered why dropping into neutral was the way forward but now you've mentioned it that makes a lot of sense

[@FM-xs3vd]

Should have held off publishing this video until 1 September. First day of spring.

[@AutoExpertJC]

I give that suggestion 13 points out of a possible 10.

[@oldhatman6769]

Clearly your also a dad

[@davidtracy9058]

You’re an excellent teacher, and very funny. Thank you!

[@daxnet6583]

gold award rating educational material! thx again

[@dpd6401]

John, I’ve just watched the longest ad in history for sleeping duck beds just prior to your video, gawd! I hope you’re getting a feed out these ads.

[@Wilbargosh]

Why is the Chinese yield point always significantly less than Australian? We sell them good quality iron ore and coking coal but they still seem to carefully engineer metal fatigue and plastic failure of products operating in the elastic phase

[@adamdixon2251]

Word has it they dispose of their boron by putting it in out steel. Cheapest way to dispose of it

[@matthewgruba8040]

The first time I took my car for a service to my Austrian mechanic, he made me drive the car with him in the passenger seat. When he obseerved me riding the clutch at the lights, he said to stop doing that, it would destroy the clutch. Unfortunately the previous owner had the same bad habit, and even though I took the lesson to heart, one day the clutch pedal sprung to the floor, and I needed to tow my car to the shop. Good work spreading the Gospel according to John (Cadogan).

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Was it the clutch cable?

[@antonheithecker686]

The energy you got man I love it. keep it up

[@ScatManAust]

Catch 22 situation really. You could save wear n tear on the main thrusts and the throw out bearing by letting off the pedal, but you are also prematurely wearing out the the baulking rings, gears and locking mechanism every time you engage gears as well. There's nothing worse than trying to select first gear with worn rings. A trick I always use is to select second or any other gear for that matter first before actually putting it in first gear for a take off. This because it slows down the input shaft to a dead stop quicker and easier too. This drastically reduces the the wear n tear on first gear rings so it can be used more reliably and quickly later on the transmissions life span as first gear generally fails first. And of course you can save a clutch operation simply by synchronizing speed and load just before coming to a stop simply by shifting into neutral without the pedal. I do this and more often than not I change successive gears up and down without using the clutch at all. Get it right with practice, you can minimize the wear on the flywheel, pressure plate , throw out bearing, gearbox, and the crank thrusts. Also in over 40 plus years of pulling spanners and an engine and transmission specialist, I can only recall one indecent of a crank thrust failure. Seen many worn and very worn thrusts and generally towards the end of useful life of the vehicle, but only one failure. The incidences of them failing is getting far less likely due to just about everything has automatic transmissions.

[@ajcuthy1945]

I agree entirely. Crankcase thrust bearings do not fail as a rule, it is a non issue. Foot off the clutch, lights turn green, quick depress and considerable force required to engage 1st and get going before intolerant traffic behind cracks it. If you depress the clutch for a few seconds before selecting 1st it allows the input shaft to stop and selection is easy without the wear on those 1st gear syncros. The thrust bearings generally last the clutch/car as you said and are usually changed with the spigot bearing as routine with a clutch change. I'm calling JC out on this one. He should of talked about riding the clutch, using the clutch to hold on hills, what causes shudder and slip, where the pedal elevation should be for take up, how to conserve clutch life and when is the clutch actually worn out.

[@JT-4real]

The reason the thrust bearing doesn't wear out is because it has an oil film stopping the bearing from contacting the machined face of the crank. What will kill the thrust bearing quick is when you have your foot on the clutch to start the vehicle. That thrust load with no oil flow over the bearing will kill it quickly. Taxi's last the longest as they don't tend to switch the car off whilst waiting. Bearings die due to lack of oil pressure on start up. My windsor V8 still has stock clearance tolerance on the thrust bearing after 220kms (manual of course) In saying all that, good practice still to neutralise the g/box to mitigate other unwanted wear and tear.

[@ScatManAust]

@@JT-4real never ever seen a oil pressure fed thrust bearing ever. There is no need whatsoever to be pressure fed.

[@JT-4real]

@@ScatManAust I never said it was oil pressure fed.

[@hectorshouse7348]

I like the clutch down ready to go…the Sheila’s love it💪👯‍♀👯‍♀

[@colinreid7305]

When I was serving my apprenticeship the correct terms were clutch release bearing and crankshaft thrust washer and yes keeping the clutch engaged at the traffic light is a sure way to damage the engine.

[@mikerammelt2420]

John, it's a Thrust Bearing that the Clutch Fork acts on and Thrust Washers that keep the crankshaft end play in check.

[@dtnicholls1]

Material science to a point it can be understood in 10 minutes. Pretty impressive. So much more fantastic stuff to cover too... Ductile failure, von mises stress, area moment of inertia, crystalline lattice structure... Years of fun to be had right there. Crank thrust bearing condition is very easy to check. Dial indicator and a pry bar and you're done in a few minutes. If you're particularly lucky you might even have a pan you can remove in the vehicle and spin in some new bearings, arguably a far simpler exercise than doing a clutch. Actually working out you need to do so before it all goes bang, that's lotto ticket territory right there.

[@microulisninjaful]

Ι just love those technical breakdown courses! Getting to know how and why in simple words and entertaining way! Thank you John!

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

My girlfriends 2010 MINI diesel has over 500,000km on the original clutch. Blows me away. She says "Don't use the clutch and accelerator at the same time"

[@AutoExpertJC]

I'm glad your GF blows you away. Lucky bastard.

[@AutoExpertJC]

That's how you know.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@AutoExpertJC 😁

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@Alfred Weber They're a quality car unfortunately many are/were owned by idiots who buy them for the 'cute' factor and then kill them with neglect. My 2009 Cooper S just clocked 200,000km and is faultless.

[@crazytrain7114]

Spring moles! So glad someone else remembers Aerobicize!

[@jarethclark2470]

"A Roman orgy of torque transmission" is my new favourite quote. I'm so glad I got past the sardonic persona to see the genuine engineering knowledge and challenging humour you bring to your content.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

My Grandpappy used to talk of days in his youth when there were such things as a clutch :)

[@stevemcintyre4398]

God I miss my Datsun 1600!. It's 4 speed so flexible that I didn't need the clutch to change gears up or down (not that I did that all of the time btw). However when the clutch master cylinder decided to crap out, I still got the car home using all forward gears no problem. The clutch was still working fine when I stupidly sold my Datto without any issues. Great car, sigh.

[@andrewallen9993]

Yes the Datsun1600 was a very fine Austin engine, just made under license and properly.

[@tjroelsma]

The way my truck (or lorrie, semi or rig, you know, the real deal and not a pick-up) driving instructor put it was: "a clutch is designed to handle the abuse, especially in a truck. If you keep the clutch pedal fully depressed and don't slip it, the friction material of the clutch plate will wear out way before the mechanical parts like clutch forks and bearings will. Besides that: when the time comes to replace the clutch the mechanical parts will be replaced as well, so don't worry about it." Then there's the thing of trucks generally being abused by many careless drivers, so especially in an older truck you'll tend to do your shifts when the vehicle is still rolling as much as possible, because a worn gearbox doesn't really like shifting when the vehicle stands still and often protests loudly. I've driven older trucks where I literally had to slip the clutch somewhat to be able to engage first or second gear when standing still to avoid endless grinding.

[@matthewhyde3045]

That noise at 24:35 is heaps of fun wearing headphones. Thanks

[@toddsmith8608]

Dear God mate I nearly blew the speakers in my truck.

[@Mac-kd1qu]

So how does this work in a DCT/DSG/PDK gearbox when sitting at the shitville traffic stoppers onb the morning or afternoon trundle? Do their clutches still maintain pressure on things in the same way?

[@contra1]

There are different clutch designs, some are engaged by releasing the pressure towards the engine's crankshaft, just in the video; and there are others which are pushed towards the crankshaft to be engaged. In the case of dual clutch transmissions, since there are two clutches to be actuated, in order to reduce the axial load on the crankshaft, one is pushed towards the crankshaft and the other one is pulled, thus eliminating or reducing the axial force acting on the crankshaft for extensive periods of time. All these explanations valid for dry clutches. When the wet clutch packs are concerned, this is not an issue since the design of the clutch packs do not necessitate an axial force acting on the crankshaft for operation. The force is carried by the internal carrier.

[@annaplojharova1400]

We are talking about dry clutch types. I know only about 2 makers using these: Ford and VW. Both have the throw out bearing from the transmission side (coaxially; they differ in how they actuate it - VW uses hydraulics, Ford plain electric servos), but there is one major difference towards the manuals: In those DCTs the reaction forces are held by the transmission shafts and corresponding bearing in the gearbox (these have to be designed to axial loads anyway, because normally similar forces are generated by the teeth angle when under load), so that force does not reach the engine at all. Wet clutches are way simpler in that aspect: There the complete actuating piston rotates, so all axial forces are cancelled out within the rotating clutch assembly itself, so needs no bearing for that force. But it needs fluid pressure seals between rotating parts and has to deal with friction material worn out of the plates contaminating the hydraulic fluid...

[@stco2426]

Interesting. I knew about the throw-out bearing problem when sitting declutched but hadn’t realised about the engine thrust complication. I was also told that when you make a good gear change you leave one in there for next time. Won’t be long though until M/T are a thing of the past. There are fewer cars offered with them and a lorry driver friend of mine says neither drivers nor operators want them. Another M/T crime is resting your hand on the gear stick while driving. Not only is it poor control behaviour but it causes increased shifter wear.

[@danielforrest3871]

Really interesting. Thank you for this video.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

Well I knew about the throw out bearing but I didn’t ever think about the thrust bearing. Thx.

[@amandagardner565]

i had a visitor this past week (between lockdowns in Victoria), she mentioned trouble with 3rd gear in her Wolseley 4/44. i currently have a parts car and a spare gearbox, with selector rods connected, so i put the spare box on the bench and pointed out all the wear points, i also showed then the Carbon throw out bearing, and explained that it's best to leave the car out of gear when idling, to save wear on the solid carbon donut shaped ring. i fitted a 5 speed gearbox to my mazda 808 years ago and the father of the guy i bought it from asked how i fixed the noisy output bearing, i laughed and explained it was the throwout bearing that was stuffed, (due to riding the clutch i suspect)

[@timcollins380]

Educational, entertaining and at times, hilarious. Brilliant John, thanks for the knowledge and entertainment.

[@wilson2455]

12:32 - just got a real 'spring in my step'...

[@yardman0001]

And hence the reason I disabled that stupid push clutch in to start on my Acura RSX. It's worse when you have to push the clutch start a cold engine that has zero oil flow...

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

It actually helps it to start when cold. The oil will be a lot thicker at low temperatures and your battery will be weaker.

[@RealButcher]

Damn,,, nearly missed those ming-moles. Thanks for this eye-candy.

[@peterandersen8922]

Yes. My son purchased a second hand ute that had a lot of city driving, but not many miles. He pulled up to a set of lights and bang the peddle went to the floor. When it was pulled apart, the thrust bearing was through the splines and would not return. The actual friction plate was in good condition. The complete unit was replaced. Hopefully that has taught him the correct way to use a geared car.

[@victorbitter583]

I knew all that. Well except for the equations and the numbers involved. I also knew there was no way you were going to fold that rule in two. Cheers John.

[@DieterWoestemeier]

In WA, if you put your car on neutral at the lights, you fail the practical test for the driver's licence.

[@rcaustralia1101]

I was waiting for the ming moll music and I wasn't disappointed👍

[@Robot_Overlord]

I loved this video. Showing it to my other half tonight. Keep it up.

[@hectorshouse7348]

I like the clutch down ready to go…the Sheila’s love it💪👯‍♀👯‍♀

[@tundramanq]

Great explanation John! Reminds me of working on a friends MG Midget with a noisy clutch. Of course we had to pull the engine out. Found the throw out bearing was just a graphite ring. We replaced it with a true throw out ball bearing.

[@andrewallen9993]

like the one on my Jaguar XJ6, it was so unworn that we re used it when the clutch friction plate was changed.

[@BB-zi5wi]

A pleasure, as always, thank You John! 🍻

[@aussiesam01]

Question: When you're standing on the ground exerting a force of Fx on the ground beneath you, how does the ground work out exactly how much force to push pack with so that the forces are balanced?

[@royblackburn1163]

It's the same as how did you know how long to grow your legs, too short and you would not be able to reach the floor.

[@aussiesam01]

@@royblackburn1163 Fair play, nothing gets past you.

[@royblackburn1163]

@@aussiesam01 I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

[@hectorshouse7348]

I like the clutch down ready to go…the Sheila’s love it💪👯‍♀👯‍♀

[@graememcmillan6103]

Come on John. Stand for PM. I will definitely vote for you. We need to MALS. Keep up the good work helping to educate the masses.

[@alexcelbun]

Such a great video, John! Thanks for the entertainment and educational input. Geniously talented u are :)

[@paulfaulkner6299]

I have to say, John, you are a really funny guy - but you're an educated man imparting sage advice. Thankyou. When can I visit Dingo Piss Creek? Are they letting us Pommies in to the country yet to see it?... Sincerely - thank you for entertaining us.

[@shutupmeg176]

What happened to Rant, John? I was looking forward to that channel taking off.

[@DanWallis86]

Yeah. I was hoping that would take off too.

[@rogerramjet4997]

Me too

[@arthol51]

Same here...John is an awesome ranter...up there with Bill Burr and George Carlin. John is so good he could tour Straya with a comedy show...a night out with CarBogan ... I would pay for that.

[@apn42]

Many people also have bad habits that destroy the synchronizers in the gearbox and potentially the engine if their foot slips of the clutch. Especially first and second gear are at risk.

[@Pete856]

My car uses a dual clutch transmission, and I believe there are two sets of forks and thrust bearings (one goes up the middle of the other!). As the transmission always pre-selects the next gear before it's needed, this must mean I'm always driving around with load on the engine thrust bearing. I really hope the engineers thought this through.

[@Chrisallengallery]

Is your car a semi automatic?

[@Pete856]

@@Chrisallengallery They call dual clutch transmissions "automated manual", I guess it could be called semi automatic. Like an automatic, you put it in drive and it will change through the gears as required (or you can click up and down through the gears on the selector or paddle shifters). But unlike an automatic, there is no torque converter, just clutches. It has very fast gear changes as while one clutch is engaged the next gear is already selected on the other clutch and it can switch between clutches in a split second.

[@azzaelko2228]

Just come across your vid. It makes sense to me as I am lazy and don’t want to hold the clutch in at the lights. But my child has just completed his P license test and according the TMR QLD a driver must have the clutch in and the car is to be in first gear when waiting at the lights. Maybe they need to be updated.

[@lyndacalnen2809]

Again very informative and interesting along with your dry humor. 👍🇨🇦

[@philipbouchier890]

Thanks John for the info on the car clutch. I found it interesting to know what goes on down there. I just wonder what is happening down there with a Dual Clutch Transmission. Is it the same sort of thing as a manual? Waiting for traffic lights at roadworks, eg like 3 minutes or so, with DCT is it wise to move to "N"? Or am I over thinking this?

[@mushenji]

This is extremely awesome

[@e1337prodigy]

Learn something new every time I watch this channel, who'd have thought Newton was a virgin.

[@sandybutt9898]

Thank you for the added entertainment at about the 12:30 mark to get us all to re-focus. Thanks to the pharmaceutical miracle of dexamfetamine (prescribed), I wasn't quite at that point yet, but the thought was appreciated anyway.

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

News alert John C cures insomnia

[@rossbrumby1957]

My sister has killed 2 cars clutches because she was taught to drive by an instructor. She rides the clutch in to the lights or intersection, puts it in first to be ready for takeoff. Her 02 corolla was given to me with a very weak pressureplate and as the motor needed rings big time at only 250k, replaced clutch kit also. Friction plate was 3/4 life still, thrust bearing minor noise only. Then 3 years in a subaru xv, she tells me her clutch died too. Didn't get to see the results there, but certain it's same issue. Diaphragm springs don't compare to the coil springs they use on truck pressure plates, which is a key point you missed.

[@robertclark8527]

Learned something today. Thanx.

[@Calendyr]

Good information, I had no idea about that! I am sure it is written somewhere but I have never read it.

[@callumtrapski6096]

This was a very good explanation

[@gregzarkodimos9711]

Hail to the visco-elastic rules of rope jumping ! Being young(er) and stupid(er), I did ride the clutch and the springs crapped out on me, while there was fairly enough friction material on the clutch plate. Had to do it all of course, it would be a no-brainer changing just the spring plate. As a minor addition, it was an italian 'mini'.

[@gusr6]

Music and inevitable segway to mingmolls. The best way to cover up those pesky footsteps. Great video JC. Ghetto engineering is my favourite.

[@tromboneimperfecta]

Many, many, many years ago when I was a youngster I did a defensive driving course with Greg Hansford. One tip was when stopped at a red light be in first gear with your foot on the clutch in case you were hit from behind. Reason being your foot would slip off the clutch and the car would stall preventing you from rolling into further danger. Now I have to decide which is more important. Thanks. P.S. I was sure you were going to say beef cake. 🤣

[@aussiebloke609]

Sadly, if you were hit from behind and with enough force to push your car forwards, causing your foot to move off the clutch pedal...then you're already moving, in first gear, and with the clutch engaged. You'd keep driving along at idle in first, until you found something to stop your progress - and only then would the engine stall. Voice of experience here - this is exactly what happened to me when I was a youngster. It wasn't at all fun, but it sure drove home the idea of never being in gear when stopped at an intersection.

[@rustymozzy]

If you're concerned about being rear ended, look down at the lever next to the gear stick. Drop the gear box in neutral, and apply the hand brake, commonly referred to as the parking brake... you know, cos it helps hold your car in the place you park it. A running motor doesn't hold a car very stationary.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@rustymozzy In all cases, a rearward facing dashcam is essential... Put your foot on the footbrake Then at least three red lights might attract her attention away from the phone... if she is going to write off your car... make it worthwhile with some decent resistance.... Suggest not a good idea if your children are strapped in "back there"....

[@aussiebloke609]

@Alfred Wedmore I agree, with one caveat: some countries (including Aussieland and the 'Murica) don't have an amber light before the green, only before the red. That said, if one is paying attention, there's no reason for there to be any significant delay in selecting first and letting off the handbrake once the lights go green.

[@viperidaenz1]

3 different names for one bearing? I've always known it as a clutch release bearing, there's number 4.

[@fonzypop]

Great video, you previously mentioned the pushback by main bearing causing thrust wear, which is now why I don’t sit with my foot on the clutch. BTW would metal fatigue on springs be a step too far?

[@almobot1]

totally agree with you. If we could only get transport department and driver trainers on board, clutches all over this fine nation could be lasting much longer... When I got my truck license I was told that putting the truck in neutral at the lights was a big NO NO

[@davidsutherland4280]

Young’s modulus rocks dude😜

[@craigquann]

Now that you pointed out that one of the main bearings is designed to counteract the clutch pressure. (Honestly didn't know that, but makes sense) here's my question. In a world of junk yard engine swapping, are engines designed for automatic transmissions also have that bearing as well? I'm assuming it does, as I've never heard of a failure due to an engine/ transmission mismatch in this regard.

[@lepham7027]

Thanks,John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

No wukkas, Le.

[@wetherabble8031]

You'd think a serviceable thrust bearing could be installed behind the flywheel if this were that big of a problem. The plane bearings on the crank: Don't they maintain a layer of pressurized oil between them and never really contact eachother? Seems to me this would minimize wear to the point that it's just never going to be a problem. Excellent class in stress strain.

[@raygale4198]

Nope pilot bearings are either sealed for life ball races or lubed for life bronze bushings, you don't want oil leaking out and dripping into the clutch. The pilot bearing is only expected to see around 700 rpm speed for a few seconds each time the pedal is pressed.

[@cpuuk]

Well bugger me, I leant something (what a thrust main bearing does)- cheers John. I was brought up to believe that holding the clutch down just meant the friction plate slipped and gradually heated up.

[@crocbaitaussie5204]

As taught by my Father with a s l ap to the back of the head . My thrusts are kept to a minimum but I have seen a blued flywheel and pressure plate come out of a tractor. Cause...slipping while using the front bucket. Der

[@idea2outcome]

When I was a lad my mates and I would have a competition to see who could drive the longest without using the clutch. Shifting up gears was relatively easy without the clutch. Downshifting took a bit more practice but once you got the hang of getting the revs right it was fine. We used the clutch for complete stops only. We never had a problem with our gearbox, drivetrain or clutch that I recall. Were we just lucky or highly skilled bogans?

[@logotrikes]

It's something I learned when I took driving lessons when dinosaurs where still getting in the way. I taught both my boys to drive and emphasised declutching into neutral even at the shortest stops. It is actually is a no brainer for anyone with mechanical aptitude. Those without, not so much. Same with feathering the clutch unnecessarily. I've changed enough clutches as a bush fitter to know it's no longer fun.....

[@brianwalker1933]

My ol’man was a “Truckie” he taught me how to drive in a VW Beetle. I learnt the art of the”double shuffle” of the clutch. (Just for the hell of it) Anyway, he drummed it into me to never ever “ride the clutch”. Then he taught me how to drive a Road Ranger Gearbox. I learnt the “sweet spot” on when to change up and how to “skip gears” going down through the box. By learning these techniques, clutch abuse, wear and tear was greatly reduced. I eventually went on to get my “Truckies License” and ran my own Truck Business up until l retired. 😊

[@aussiesam01]

Should have learnt on the unforgiving David Brown box. Really sharpens all the gears.

[@philsymons9614]

Hi John, thanks for an interesting video. Expanding on the concept of this subject, does the same apply to an automatic? (when stopped at a light etc with the gearbox in drive, holding the brake to stop the vehicle moving? Does that cause extra wear and tear for the gearbox?) Cheers

[@toddsmith8608]

Phil Symons, no because torque converter.

[@AureliusIX]

I believe I have basically worn out my clutch at this point, 137 thousand km on the clock. It pisses me off to hear the high pitch noise as I let out the clutch on a hill start. I'm not at the point where I will replace it, because I have learned how not to create that sound. But it's coming. I don't do things like hold the clutch in at the lights and I try hard not to ride the clutch. It can't be done. The issue is peak hour traffic and the way automatic transmissions allow people to drive. We have long since past the point AT saturation on the road. Light turns green and I'm sitting behind an undiscovered a$$hole who, accelerates then allows their car to coast at inches per hour after 2 - 3 metres. I can't drive that slow without stalling and obviously I can't bumper car my opinion into the car in front to let them know that this is unacceptable. So the clutch goes in again (it didn't even get let off entirely), for the umpteenth time for no good reason other than to avoid contact with another car. GOD how I wish I had bought an automatic. All the while knowing full well then life span of the clutch has been greatly diminished. I wanted a manual transmission because I wanted a car, not an appliance. What I should have done is bought both. An MX5 for the weekend and anything automatic for the commute.

[@insipidpostule]

I wouldn't be too worried, clutches are wearable and replaceable items. I think (I'm not a mechanic) that 140-150,000km from a clutch is probably fairly acceptable. If you do say, 15,000km a year, that's a decade of abuse that clutch has tolerated. They're not particularly expensive to replace, unless like me, your mechanic discovers that the input shaft on your gearbox has too much play and you also need a gearbox rebuild on an old LandCruiser... and then the tears start forming in your eyes.

[@carl3831]

@@insipidpostule 'fairly acceptable' depends on circumstance. my car does town driving and some regional city driving with a small amount of bumper to bumper stop start traffic. It has done 260,000 kms and there are no signs that the clutch is going to need replacing soon. At a certain point using a km range for a clutch lifespan is fairly pointless as it will determined by driving conditions.

[@insipidpostule]

@@carl3831 Well, of course, nobody can account for driving or differences in clutch use. Some people ride their clutches and abuse them. Who are we to say whether this clutch has been abused or slipped hard at lights and uphill starts. But let's be honest here, 10 years out of a clutch can't be considered an issue with the clutch itself. How long do you expect a clutch to last? 20 years? Most cars themselves won't last that long. They ARE a replaceable item on a vehicle. By their very design and purpose they will degrade over time and use.

[@fastfreddy918]

I’ve had the same clutch in my car for 13 years. I never ride the clutch or keep my foot on the clutch. Especially when accelerating. I try to drive smooth. I’ve never had to change a clutch in any vehicle I’ve owned.

[@Lakikano]

If you can bend a spring without reaching the yield point forever without changing it, why do springs get weaker over time? For example, the recoil spring in a firearm needs changing from time to time.

[@imagingteam]

Learned this the hard way when i was still learning to drive in a manual, destroyed my throw out bearing.

[@ArashFallah]

Should one do the same with an automatic transmission? Obviously the double clutch autos are in the same boat as the manual, which is why you shouldn't inch forward with them. But, what's the recommendation for CVTs and AMTs?

[@jamescaley9942]

Release bearing often fails before the friction plate. You can hear it long before it fails.

[@randomtask9029]

Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought the clutch thrust bearing load is reacted by the clutch diaphragm spring which in turn is reacted by the clutch housing which is bolted to the engine block? So is it not that when the clutch is depressed the axial loads are released from the crankshaft?

[@robg6485]

12 minutes 20 seconds YESSSSS!

[@basichistory]

Really enjoyed this video.

[@JayGuitars1]

Not to forget our Safety mechanism of putting our foot on the clutch to start our cars( at least 3000lbs of pressure on our crankshaft thrust bearing with no oil pressure).

[@HSVR383SC]

Yep agree. Couldn't believe this was a thing in the states when I visited. Not sure if new cars are different but none of my manual (stick shift) cars I've ever driven in Australia have that so called safety feature. How hard is it to check it's not in gear before you start the car?

[@erikmoore7402]

Great episode. I'll remember that every time I push in the clutch... from now on... forever... haha. But seriously good information.

[@jackwood8307]

Use to love rowing the gears but as I’ve gotten older I’ve now become a fan of the auto trans. Auto transmissions are not your dads transmissions any more. In most cases they can outperform a manual leaving you to concentrate on everything else. Informative video John, thanks.

[@AnAZPatriot]

They certainly do outperform manuals! They don't live as long, are expensive to maintain, are even more expensive to repair, and rob you of about 5% of your at-wheel horsepower. All in an effort to increase maintenance shop sales, increase mpg, and ability to shift faster and smoother... What a wonderful invention!

[@jackwood8307]

@@AnAZPatriot to each their own. Im all for more mpg and better shifts. I personally never miss that 5% decrease in hp. As you age you’ll find that your knees dont work like they use to and your shoulders and arms tire more easily. As to maintenance the long term warranties now given by car companies will take care of that. With that said by all means buy what you want. I loved manuals in my youth. My perspective is one from an aging man who is now feeling the burden of time.😂

[@csjrogerson2377]

JC, I don't know about your experience with the kinematic bolt-ons, but I've found that the small brown adjusting knob on the front of them doesn't work. No matter how much I twiddle them, the elasticity and rebound limits of the bolt-on doesn't seem to change. A whole load of structural rigidity changes become apparent in other equipment, but I'm not going into details on those issues.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

You are not applying sufficient lubricant...

[@csjrogerson2377]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Thanks for the info. Any particular type/grade?

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@csjrogerson2377 Whatever SHE feels like.... a man should always look to the woman for guidance and lubrication... down th...

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

However, for knob twiddling lubrication, there is only one type I recommend; the same type as the underlying structure... full-bodied synthetic...

[@csjrogerson2377]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Thanks. I have a spare tube of that.

[@mac65utube]

What about auto boxes John? Should we shift into Park or Neutral at the lights as well?