Simple clutch test
 

2005 Corvette.
What are the simple ways to see if you are in need of a clutch soon.
Just purchased used 2005 corvette, 6 speed manual.
How do I check to see how much life is on my clutch before I need to change the pad.

release the clutch with the brake engaged. Should stall the motor.

You can not inspect the clutch with the driveline assembled. The driveline support assembly must be removed to inspect the clutch disc, flywheel and pressure plate.

put it in 5th when cruising around 30-40 and stand on the gas. The car will either lug or the clutch will slip and the motor will ring out.

I'm guessing you're having clutch issues.

Take a look at your clutch fluid -- changing it might help. DIY with the Ranger Method.

Be proactive
 

I did change the clutch fluid last weekend. Car stalls per earlier instructions. So far no problems. I was asking because I am a proactive person. The car has 86K miles. I do not know the history of the car so I fix everything I think need fixing. This approach saves me money in the long run. Planing a road trip from GA to IL next weekend. I don't want to be stuck on the side of the Highway.

These clutches have lasted over 100k if not abused. So not knowing I can understand. The test shown to me by an old mechanic is to try to start off in a high gear like 5th if it grabs and stalls that is good if it slips it is going to be a problem. Of course give it gas and try to get it to grab in 5th. Slips=bad grabs or stalls=good!

The standard way to test your clutch is to see if it will hold high torque at low rpm.

First try this: Drive at 40 mph in 5th and just floor it in gear. If the clutch slips you know it's really in bad shape and must be replaced.

If it didn't slip by just flooring it then try this more aggressive test: Take the car out on an open road and go about 40 mph with the car in 5th gear. Push in the clutch pedal and then while coasting simultaneously drop the clutch and floor the gas. If the rpm drops right down to what it should be in 5th gear with the car accelerating normally, your clutch is ok. If the rpm starts rapidly climbing beyond what it would normally do in 5th and the car not accelerating normally, your clutch is shot.

Try starting out in 3rd gear. If it grabs its good . Dont get on it just ease into it.

Clif

If it ain't broke....don't fix it....these clutchs are pretty reliable for 100,000 miles or so.....:flag:

all depends on how you drive it. i have seen cars with 240k on the oe clutch that were pampered around and cars with 20k that have the clutch coming out in chunks.

there is no proactive clutch test as failing any of the "tests" means you need one. clutches either grab or they don't. when yours slips or comes apart, replace it.

:iagree: If it passes the 5th or 4th gear test, make sure the fluid is clean and then enjoy the car.:thumbs:

Don't try this kind of "burnout"...

I have always used the park on a hill method in reverse take your foot off the break and see if the car will hold on the hill !