David G. Lennox examines the peril of the “stick shift” and celebrates the spirit of the Argentinian Formula One legend Juan Manuel Fangio
Ah, the manual transmission, or as the Americans rather quaintly call it, the stick shift. It’s the mark of a true motoring connoisseur, a delightful dance between man and machine. But what happens when our gallant steed’s clutch decides to surrender? Fear not, dear reader, for this is not merely a tale of woe, but a story of resilience, cunning, and a dash of British stiff upper lip.
The Plight of the Broken Clutch
Picture this: You’re cruising down the motorway, perhaps humming along to a bit of Vivaldi, when suddenly, the clutch pedal sinks to the floor with all the grace of a fainting Victorian maiden. You’re now in possession of a rather expensive paperweight. But do we panic? Absolutely not. We soldier on, for we are British, and adversity is our bread and butter.
Driving a manual car with a malfunctioning clutch is akin to attending a high-society ball with two left feet. Awkward, challenging, and inevitably leading to some colourful language. Yet, it has been done. Take, for instance, the legendary tale of Juan Manuel Fangio (1911 – 1995), the Argentinian maestro of motorsport and a man who dominated the first decade of Formula One by winning the World Drivers’ Championship five times.
Fangio – who was nicknamed ‘El Chueco’ (the “bandy legged one”) and ‘El Maestro’ (“the master” or “the teacher”) – once drove his Maserati 250F to victory in the 1957 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, despite suffering from a gearbox so obstinate it could have been designed by a committee of bureaucrats. Though not exactly a clutch failure, it’s a testament to the kind of indomitable spirit we need.
Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Clutch and Their Solutions
Now, for those who prefer their motoring escapades without the added drama, here’s a helpful guide to recognizing and remedying a malfunctioning clutch:
- Slipping Clutch:If you notice the engine revving but the car isn’t accelerating with its usual vigour, it’s likely your clutch is slipping. It’s akin to expecting a marathon runner to sprint after a three-course Sunday roast. Solution: Get thee to a mechanic post-haste. A slipping clutch is a slippery slope to a complete breakdown.
- Grinding Gears:If your gear shifts sound like a knife fight in a cutlery drawer, your clutch might not be fully disengaging. Solution: Check the clutch fluid. Low levels can cause this problem. If the fluid is fine, you might need a clutch adjustment or a new clutch plate.
- Sticky Clutch:A clutch that doesn’t return to its original position is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Solution: This could be due to air in the hydraulic line or a faulty clutch master/slave cylinder. Bleeding the clutch line might do the trick, but professional help may be required.
- Spongy Clutch Pedal:If your clutch pedal feels like you’re stepping on a sponge, there could be air in the hydraulic system or a leak. Solution: Inspect the clutch master and slave cylinders for leaks, clutch master cylinder is located next to the inner wing in most cases, then try and bleed the system to remove any air.
- Clutch Pedal Vibrations:Feeling like you’ve stepped onto the world’s tiniest bouncy castle? This could indicate a warped clutch disc or pressure plate. Solution: Unfortunately, this requires a clutch replacement. Prepare your wallet for a bit of a bruising.
A Final Word
Driving a stick shift with a broken clutch is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a Herculean task that demands not just skill, but a certain joie de vivre. So, the next time your clutch decides to call in sick, channel your inner Fangio and remember: where there’s a will, there’s a way – preferably to the nearest garage.
Until next time, keep your gears in check and your spirits high. After all, motoring mishaps are just part of the grand adventure.
Cheerio and happy motoring!
Retired solicitor David G. Lennox is an “avid consumer of margaritas” and a Rolls-Royce enthusiast. He motors around the country in his quest to watch ‘the sport of Kings’ as often as he can in his 1990 Silver Spur II.
Additional information:
How to check clutch master cylinder – autodoc.co.uk
If you are able to safely ‘read’ the engine sounds then it becomes easier to change gear without the use of the clutch. Back in the 60’s my garage owner showed me how to drive the 15 miles in my Cortina II completely clutchless and I was most impressed.