Is there a problem with your Sprinter’s clutch or does it behave abnormally when you try to shift gears? As a driver of a Sprinter van with a manual transmission system for either commercial or private purposes, you would expect your van to be very responsive when you change gears. However, because of excess use, poor driving habits, wear and several other reasons, this clutch can wear out. So, what do you do in this case? Well, the best thing is to find a certified Sprinter repair shop to find the fault and fix the problem.
How Does A Sprinter Clutch Work
The clutch is an assembly that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission system at the required times. When you step on the clutch pedal, it disengages the connection between the engine and the wheels and when you take your foot off the pedal, the two are connected and power is transferred. A good clutch is one that functions well to help in acceleration, gear shifting and the overall performance of the vehicle. As time passes, the clutch is subjected to wear and tear and this makes it hard to drive, less efficient and even unsafe to you and other road users.
Why Do Sprinter Clutches Fail?
- Normal wear and tear: Clutches are known to wear out over time due to the constant demand placed on them. Each time you step on the clutch pedal, there is friction between the clutch plate and the pressure plate which results in wear and tear. You will need to change your clutch more often if you use your car in stop and go traffic or if you carry heavy loads.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving habits are another cause of early clutch failure. Riding the clutch which involves resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving causes wear. Other factors that can reduce the lifespan of the clutch include sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and improper engagement of the clutch while shifting gears.
- Leaking Hydraulic Fluid: The clutch operates through hydraulic pressure so if hydraulic fluid leaks the clutch will not work as expected. Soft or spongy clutch pedal, or clutch pedal that sinks to the floor may indicate a leak in the clutch master or slave cylinder. If this is not attended to, it can result in total failure of the clutch system.
How Professionals Repair a Sprinter Clutch
- Diagnosis and Inspection: A professional technician will first look at the clutch system to be sure of the actual cause of the failure. This involves the inspection of the clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, flywheel, and hydraulic components among others.
- Get Rid of the Old Clutch: If the technician finds the clutch to be faulty the next thing that will be done is to remove it. To change a worn out clutch, your mechanic has to pull out the old clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.
- Replacing the Clutch: After removing the old clutch, a new high quality clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing are fitted by the technician. Any hydraulic components that are seeping fluids are serviced or fixed to ensure the proper functioning of the clutch.
Sprinter Van Clutch Repairs: Trust Our Shop for Quality Services
At Sprinter Gurus, we are the best auto workshop to visit for clutch repair and replacement services for your Sprinter. If you are experiencing clutch problems such as slipping or loud noises or if the clutch is worn out completely, the technicians at our shop will identify the problem and repair it promptly. Our technicians have many years of experience in the repair of Sprinter vans, and we only stock the best quality parts for the job. Even though our shop is based in Norcross, Georgia, we still extend our hands of help to Sprinter owners in Gwinnett County.
If you reside anywhere around us and you own a Sprinter van that is displaying signs of clutch failure, we recommend you bring it to us at Sprinter Gurus where experts can fix it for you. We will bring your van back to the optimal condition to enable it to shift smoothly and have adequate power to drive again. Feel free to give us a call or just stop by our workshop to find out how we can help you restore your van performance.