Depressed clutch pedal when stationary does it cause wear?
Discussion
oilslick said:
It'll wear the release bearing.
Correct, but as to what extent, is debatable.Generally release bearings are replaced when the clutch goes - they outlast the clutches and are replaced preventatively.
As far as bearings go, they don't see all that much wear (compare to a wheelbearing, or an alternator bearing). Naturally some may be crappy so as usual "YMMV".
Old cars even had carbon disc bearings (no actual bearings - just a low friction bearing surface). Like the MGB.
996TT02 said:
Correct, but as to what extent, is debatable.
Generally release bearings are replaced when the clutch goes - they outlast the clutches and are replaced preventatively.
As far as bearings go, they don't see all that much wear (compare to a wheelbearing, or an alternator bearing). Naturally some may be crappy so as usual "YMMV".
Old cars even had carbon disc bearings (no actual bearings - just a low friction bearing surface). Like the MGB.
Agree that the extent of bearing wear is debatable, but as that they're under maximum stress when the clutch pedal is depressed it makes sense to me to stick it in neutral and let the clutch up. Given that swapping the release bearing is as big a job as swapping the clutch I'd rather have the bearing outlast the clutch than the other way around!Generally release bearings are replaced when the clutch goes - they outlast the clutches and are replaced preventatively.
As far as bearings go, they don't see all that much wear (compare to a wheelbearing, or an alternator bearing). Naturally some may be crappy so as usual "YMMV".
Old cars even had carbon disc bearings (no actual bearings - just a low friction bearing surface). Like the MGB.
996TT02 said:
Like the MGB.
...but when it has worn out (thanks previous owner, new clutch plate only) there is a really really horrid metal to metal noise when the clutch pedal is fully depressed.On a slightly more modern car... I wouldn't worry, although it just feels wrong to sit there for any length of time with the clutch in; dodges the engine auto-stop/start of course (as does the button on the dash).
It will in addition to all those previously mentioned, increase the wear on the engine thrust bearings on the crank. With modern materials and oils this is nothing to worry about really. In fact most cars now you cannot start them without depressing the clutch.
If I was driving a pre 90's car I would always disengage the drivetrain as quick as possible.
If I was driving a pre 90's car I would always disengage the drivetrain as quick as possible.
There is also a small risk when sitting in gear with the clutch depressed, that you may unintentially release the clutch - your foot may slip off the pedal for instance - which could cause an accident.
It's a small chance of course, but I have seen it happen & a cyclist was knocked off as a result. Handbrake and neutral when stationary is usually the safest choice.
It's a small chance of course, but I have seen it happen & a cyclist was knocked off as a result. Handbrake and neutral when stationary is usually the safest choice.
R_U_LOCAL said:
There is also a small risk when sitting in gear with the clutch depressed, that you may unintentially release the clutch - your foot may slip off the pedal for instance - which could cause an accident.
It's a small chance of course, but I have seen it happen & a cyclist was knocked off as a result. Handbrake and neutral when stationary is usually the safest choice.
Especially if you get shunted from behind.It's a small chance of course, but I have seen it happen & a cyclist was knocked off as a result. Handbrake and neutral when stationary is usually the safest choice.
balls-out said:
the release bearing on my Discovery 2 gave up after several hours in slow traffic. More an issue with a very dodgy/cheap clutch fitted by the previous then my lack of sympathy (I hope)
Release bearing brought our Discovery to a halt on the M25 after a long period of slow traffic. Pulling away from tolls after the Dartford bridge, wife driving, suddenly can't get into any gears. Que a lot of shouting (Sorry discussion, yes of course dear) as I try to explain to my wife how to get us moving and across 9 lanes to the hard shoulder without a clutch. And yes my seat needed a wipe once we got there! 
Once I'd diagnosed it as release mechanism we swapped seats and I drove us home clutchless as the traffic was reasonably free flowing post the tolls. On inspection the plastic mounting that connects the release bearing to the release fork had melted and deformed from heat (All from that day or over time we don't know) meaning the bearing nolonger had full reach and could not disengage the clutch fully.
A replacement (with new clutch too) and a quick reminder to the wife about mechanical sympathetically and we've had no problems since.
kambites said:
I've only ever seen one car suffer from a release bearing failure and I know an awful lot of people who sit with their foot on the clutch. Mechanical sympathy stops me from doing it, but modern cars can actually stand up to a lot of abuse.
I bet you've heard a few though. It's a noise that makes my teeth itch.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff