Is there a way to make the clutch lighter to operate? Can springs be changed, etc? If it helps, it's a 96 VW Cabrio [more inside]
posted by blue_wardrobe on Sep 9, 2009 - 9 answers

I want a real or very good fake tortoise shell evening bag - help me find one [more inside]
posted by chickaboo on Jul 3, 2008 - 8 answers

Is it bad to keep my clutch pedal pushed all the way in as I brake for stop signs and turns? Should I instead shift to neutral, let the pedal out, and then shift back into gear when I need it? [more inside]
posted by Who_Am_I on Jun 20, 2008 - 33 answers

I was driving down the highway and needed to pass a vehicle. I punched down on the gas and the engine revved but didn't engage. Yep. Slipping clutch. The catch? This happened 3 years ago and I haven't been able to fix it yet. [more inside]
posted by phredgreen on Jun 5, 2008 - 11 answers

CarFilter: Why does my transmission hate me so? [more inside]
posted by winston on Mar 13, 2008 - 17 answers

Mechanic Question: Even though I just changed the clutch, it still won't start. The starter runs, the flywheel and some of the transmission is turning (I can hear it loud and clear), but it won't fire; it just spins. [more inside]
posted by koeselitz on Jan 26, 2008 - 85 answers

Home mechanic question: changing a clutch. I'm changing the clutch in my wife's 1996 Jetta. I've almost gotten the transaxle off, but it's just barely hanging onto the engine. How do I get it off? A few more related questions inside-- any mechanics familiar with changing clutches, please help. [more inside]
posted by koeselitz on Jan 11, 2008 - 32 answers

Standard-transmission-filter: the point of engagement of the clutch (in my mid-90s Acura Integra, if it matters) has suddenly moved, and I now have to push the clutch pedal almost to the floor in order to get the transmission to disengage. What's going on, and how much is it likely to cost to repair? [more inside]
posted by killdevil on Dec 2, 2007 - 18 answers

I've recently purchased a standard because I used to drive one and loved it, but I've never really been properly trained in how to drive one. The car I bought is much more powerful than the one I've learned on, and I'd appreciate some answers to a few questions and any general tips you've got to help me get the most of out my new clutch (and car). [more inside]
posted by patr1ck on Sep 21, 2007 - 37 answers

After having the A/C compressor replaced in our VW Golf, the engine idle speed drops way down to near-stalling whenever the clutch is released while driving. It pops right back up, but it's a bit unnerving. [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Sep 8, 2007 - 9 answers

I'm a reasonably adept stick shift driver but what do I need to know to be a great stick shift driver? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow on Mar 22, 2007 - 48 answers

is it my clutch? or my tranny? or somthing else? i drive a 2002 vw gti stick shift. since yesterday, when i give it some gas it revs up for a few seconds before it kicks in and the car actually goes with it. this never happened before. it matters not if i am shifting or in gear , it happens when i give it gas in either case. i seached and read a post about something similar when it was cold and it taking some time to catch gears, but i dont think this is similar, it kicks in after about 1-3 seconds (for now, i guess), and its still summery warm here... help me out, god i wish i was a mechanic instead of a sysadmin.
posted by fumbducker on Sep 8, 2006 - 15 answers

CarRepairFilter: Help me figure out what's going on with my usually well-behaved car, and what, if anything, it might have to do with a letter I got from Acura back in January... [more inside]
posted by Vervain on Aug 23, 2006 - 11 answers

1997 VW clutch is making scraping sounds when fully depressed, but is working fine otherwise. Do I need a whole new clutch kit? Simultaneously, the interior fans (cooling) are dead, and the parking brake light is stuck on. Blown fuse? [more inside]
posted by juniper on Aug 23, 2006 - 7 answers

What is a reasonable price to pay to get the clutch replaced in a Jetta? [more inside]
posted by nadawi on Dec 7, 2005 - 5 answers

My mechanic just told me that my 98 Saturn wagon (125,000 miles) needs a new clutch. Nothing dramatic happened; I just brought it in for a pre road trip checkup. The clutch has been getting stickier & stickier, and sometimes it's very hard to wrench it into first gear, but it's drivable. He said he had no way of knowing when it would go completely, but it definitely was going to need to be replaced soon. Since inspecting it involves pulling the transmission, you might as well commit to fixing it altogether. I have two questions. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry on May 17, 2005 - 23 answers

I just bought a used motorcycle that needs some work. Warning...i'm asking a stupid question. More inside. [more inside]
posted by milkman on Feb 4, 2005 - 13 answers

I was stop and go driving for about an hour today (hanging flyers for my job; the car's a manual transmission '95 Saturn) and after I finished I was heading back to the store when I hear a pop and my stick shift is just wobbling around. I still have to hold the clutch to start the car but it is stuck in second gear so I can get it going but only drive 10-15mph. What in the hell just happened?
posted by untuckedshirts on Jul 9, 2004 - 11 answers

Elephant Riders, by Clutch. I've been trying to figure out the meaning of the lyrics. I think it has to do with the King of Siam donating elephants to Abe Lincoln (a la The King and I), but I could be mistaken on that, and I have no idea where the trains come in.
posted by oissubke on Jun 8, 2004 - 1 answer

What, exactly, is "riding the clutch"? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by crunchburger on Feb 19, 2004 - 16 answers