Clutch question

Uhtred · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:08

Ok I'm having an argument with a friend about clutches.

I say that if you have your car in gear waiting to pull off with the clutch down it doesn't wear the clutch.

My friend says it does and always has it in neutral when waiting at traffic lights or roundabouts.

Who is right?

shauncr91 · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:12

Wouldn't be wearing on the clutch itself but probably wouldn't do wonders for something mechanical. I also put it in neutral when stopping for 10seconds or more.

M0T · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:12

It wears the clutch release bearing.

Fr0dders · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:16

they both disconnect the driveshaft from the engine

but iirc holding it in gear with the clutch depressed will result in the clutch constantly fighting the drive, and wear the release bearing. though not the pressure plate as that wont be touching anything

NathanE · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:16

Doesn't wear the clutch plate (obviously). But it does wear the release bearing and possibly other related linkage points...

Biohazard · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:18

as everyone else says.

its not good practice.

it isn't expensive, but getting it replaced is if you can't do it.

not an easy place to get too.

Uhtred · 9 Dec 2009 at 22:19

Thanks guys! I'm glad I didn't put any money in it

Matt82 · 10 Dec 2009 at 08:47

M0T said:
It wears the clutch release bearing.

this. release bearing will be going round and round and it would be a pain in the azz to have to get the box off to change a noisy release bearing