Clutch faults (Mercedes-Benz C-Class W201)

The pedal drops to the floor with very little resistance

• Low fluid level or air in the clutch release hydraulic system (Chapter 6).
• The release bearing or clutch release fork is damaged (Chapter 6).
• The diaphragm spring of the pressure plate is broken (Chapter 6).

The clutch does not disengage (inability to shift gears)

• Hydraulic fluid level too high (Chapter 6).
• Clutch disc sticking on the splines of the driven shaft (Chapter 6).
• Clutch disc sticking to flywheel or pressure plate (Chapter 6).
• The pressure plate assembly is faulty (Chapter 6).
• The clutch release mechanism is worn out or incorrectly assembled (Chapter 6).

Clutch slippage (engine speed increases without increasing vehicle speed)

• Hydraulic fluid level too high (Chapter 6).
• Excessive wear of clutch disc linings (Chapter 6).
• Clutch disc linings contaminated with oil (Chapter 6).
• The pressure plate is faulty or the diaphragm spring is weak (Chapter 6).

Intense vibration when engaging the clutch

• Clutch disc linings contaminated with oil (Chapter 6).
• Excessive wear of clutch disc linings (Chapter 6).
• The pressure plate or diaphragm spring is defective or deformed (Chapter 6).
• The engine-transmission unit mounting bolts are worn out or loose.
• Wear of the splines of the clutch disc hub or transmission input shaft (Chapter 6).

Noise when pressing or releasing the clutch pedal

• The clutch release bearing is worn out (Chapter 6).
• Clutch pedal bushings are worn or not lubricated (Chapter 6).
• The pressure plate assembly is faulty (Chapter 6).
• The diaphragm spring of the pressure plate is broken (Chapter 6).
• The damping springs of the clutch pressure plate are broken (Chapter 6).