What Does It Mean When Your Clutch Can't Be Pushed In?
A car's clutch system is complex, so when something goes wrong, such as your clutch not being able to be pushed in, a variety of complic...
A car's clutch system is complex, so when something goes wrong, such as your clutch not being able to be pushed in, a variety of complications could be occurring. Understanding how the clutch system works is effective for troubleshooting clutch problems. When you notice that your clutch is sticking it's important to diagnose the problem right away so that you can safely drive your vehicle.
Clutch Disc Dragging
A stuck clutch can be symptomatic of a dragging clutch disc. The clutch disc sits between the flywheel and the pressure plate in the clutch system. If the clutch disc is damaged it will start to drag, thereby causing the clutch to not properly disengage. Types of damage to a clutch disc can include, but are not limited to, loose friction linings, warped friction linings or a bent or damaged hub.
Broken Clutch Cable
A broken clutch cable can cause your clutch to not be pushed in properly. The cable is what is directly connected to the clutch pedal. When this cable is broken or warped it causes the clutch to not engage or release because it no longer provides an adequate connection to the clutch release bearing fork, which is on the other end of the cable. The clutch release bearing fork is responsible for getting the clutch to push in and release.
Broken Release Fork
Sometimes the clutch cable can be in functioning order, but the clutch release bearing fork is broken. If this is the case, your clutch can't be pushed in because the pedal becomes stuck from the release bearing fork no longer being able to properly disengage at the cable. An example of the release fork being broken includes having the pivot point stuck so that the fork cannot pivot forward to respond to the clutch.
Low Master Cylinder Fluid
Master cylinders in hydraulic clutch systems can get low fluid levels and cause clutches to not be able to be pushed in. You can investigate this issue by checking the level of brake fluid that's in the reservoir of the clutch master cylinder. You can remove the cap to the cylinder, place a funnel inside and add the brake fluid directly into the cylinder. Then check the clutch again and see if the low fluid level was the culprit.
