Clutch Query

[potatopete]

I read somewhere (can't remember where) that if you're sitting in a traffic jam or whatever, for more than a minute or two, you should put the car in neutral and release the clutch, as otherwise you damage the "release bearing".

Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone experienced this?

[Luke]

Yes this is correct mate.

It's actually called the thrust bearing..

[gafvts]

why would you sit in traffic with the clutch down,i hate the smell you get

[cammedvtr]

you shouldnt get any smell gaf cause the plates arnt touching with the clutch pressed or at least i dont.lol smileys/smiley4.gif

[Luke]

I don't get a smell either, when you have the clutch down it does not touch!

I ALWAYS leave it down lol, until my dad explained the reasons why i should not tonight.

[cammedvtr]

there are worse things like leaveing your foot on the clutch while driving.lol smileys/smiley4.gif

[Luke]

Yeah thats bad, that will mess things up!

My dad says its bad to leave it in gear at lights etc, but i do it all time

[mac24]

sitting wif the clutch down in traffic or anywhere puts stress on the pressure plate fingers aswell,not good smileys/smiley16.gif

[Baz]

Yeah thats bad, that will mess things up!

My dad says its bad to leave it in gear at lights etc, but i do it all time

same smileys/smiley17.gif selling car soon as anyway so who cares hehe. i always sit there doing clutch control on hills too....woopsy

[saxoash]

ooo learn somthing new everyday lol

[pug_boe]

well my dad tells me not to do it because it burns it. He shouted at me before because i never used to really use the handbrake only when i parked lol. Now to preserve my clutch i bloody use the handbrake lol