Clutch friction in pedal. Has anyone noticed this?

AnSliabhCorcra

I was driving along today and started focusing on my gear changes (trying to get it just optimal as I’m driving a new and unfamiliar car. I suddenly notice that when the clutch pedal is fully pressed in and released slowly, you feel a slight grindy feeling. Intrigued, I experimented a bit more: whilst stationary, even in neutral it can be felt if you press the clutch in and release it very slowly! Interestingly, when the engine is off, it doesn’t happen. My conclusion is that it’s the friction generated by depressing the clutch. Does that even make sense?

Can I ask if anybody at all notices this and if so, what car do you drive? Curiously, i got into my partners car which I’ve driven loads and loads and voila, it does it too! I’d never even noticed. Now I can’t not notice it! Would love to hear your thoughts and if you too get the clutch grindy/frictions feeling in your clutch when the engine is on? When the engine is off, I don’t feel it.

Also, if any mechanics can explain (or let me know if I should be worried about both our cars!) that’d be great!

I should also add the grindy/frictions/scratchy feeling is from the pedal!

Pops_20

What's the make and model of car, and is it diesel or petrol?

I've driven a range of cars and I've never experienced this.

AnSliabhCorcra

Seat Arona (2018) and Mazda 6 (2009). I’ve also driven several cars and never noticed it, it was only today when focusing on pressing the clutch fully in and off again very slowly. Kind of freaks me out that I wouldn’t have noticed it before!

It’s not a sound of grinding or friction, more of a feeling!

AnSliabhCorcra

Or we both may have buggered clutches!

Kenny Logins

That's how a clutch works. It's like a brake that's always on, (connecting the the engine and gearbox) and you press to release it.

Pops_20

You didn't mention what fuel type these cars are, but I am going to assume they are diesel. I think I know what you are talking about, and I have felt it when driving diesel cars before. The clutch feeling is different at the point of engagement when releasing the clutch. I think it is something to do with the DMF, but I could be corrected on that by others here.

I highly doubt that your 2018 Seat has a worn out clutch.

AnSliabhCorcra

Thanks guys for all the replies. The Arona is petrol 1.0 turbo 115BHP, the Mazda is 2.2 (I think) diesel.

CJhaughey

Your engine is coupled to a big spinning plate of metal this is called the flywheel. This is connected to the gearbox by the clutch, which decouples when you push the pedal in. The feeling of friction could be either the release bearing sliding along the shaft or the actual friction of the friction plate as it starts to grab the spinning flywheel. All manual cars will have this feel to a greater or extent. Some are hydraulic and older ones were cable operated but there will always be feedback of some kind.

Isambard

don't release it slowly, you're possibly causing the clutch to slip slightly. Release it normally.