I've put 115k miles on my little baby which is a 97 Model. I learned how to drive a manual on her and I was abusive on the clutch when first learning. Lately, I've been having difficulty getting her to go uphill while stopped on moderately steep inclines. In the past, it would 'grab' and go, but lately I've been having to work extra hard to find the sweet spot. This morning, I was rolling back and it took four attempts before she would go. Is this indicitive of a worn out clutch? Everything appears normal on flat surfaces.
Yes Jen, this is a worn out clutch!!!!! You have gotten full use from it have it replacceed at once. Make sure to have the mechanic inspect the flywheel for damage and replace if needed.
FIRST step with a slipping clutch is to see if the clutch pedal linkage adjustment is correct. Press down lightly on the clutch pedal and see if there is a slight amount of 'play' at the beginning of the 'stroke' before the resistance to your foot/leg increases. If there is no 'play' at the beginning of the stroke, it means that the clutch throw-out bearing doesnt totally disengage and the clutch will slip or slip under extreme loads. If there is enough friction material left on the clutch surfaces a simple adjustment of the linkage is all thats needed in most cases where there is no 'play' in the pedal.
Another way to describe what you should look for... press the clutch pedal and examine to see if feels 'loose' and then hard to push down. You need about a 1/4" of 'loose' before it needs to be pushed harder. Or simply use you hand on the pedal and see if you easily move the pedal about 1/4" before it beomes very difficult to move.
If no 'play' at the beginning of the stroke of the clutch pedal: Take the vehicle to an honest independent mechanic and have them check out the clutch pedal adjustment. If you take it to a 'stealership', you will get a new clutch whether you need it or not.
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