If you’re an owner of a CFMOTO vehicle then you heavily rely on your clutch to smoothly transition between gears and provide power to the wheels. However, CFMOTO clutches are prone to certain problems that can significantly impact performance and reliability over time and in this article we will be taking a look at what those problems are and how to troubleshoot them.
Table of Contents
What Is A CFMOTO Clutch?
A CFMOTO clutch is a crucial component in the vehicle’s transmission system. It connects the engine to the transmission thus allowing the driver to smoothly engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. The clutch contains friction plates that press together to connect the engine to the transmission when the clutch pedal is released. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the friction plates separate and disconnect the engine from the transmission. This allows the driver to change gears without damaging the transmission.
CFMOTO Clutch Problems
1. Slipping Clutch
A slipping clutch in your CFMOTO vehicle means the clutch disk is not properly gripping the flywheel, causing the engine’s power to not fully transfer to the transmission. This results in things like;
- Excessive wear
- Oil contamination
- Improperly adjusted clutch cable
Troubleshooting The Slipping Clutch Problem
- Over time and with high mileage, the friction material on the disk can wear down thus preventing effective power transfer so you may need to replace the clutch disk and pressure plate.
- Inspect for oil leaks and have them repaired immediately. You will also need to replace the contaminated clutch disk.
- Make sure that the clutch cable is adjusted to the proper tension and not binding or frayed and replace the cable if necessary.
2. Dragging Clutch
A dragging clutch is one of the most common CFMOTO clutch problems. This happens when the clutch plates fail to disengage completely when the clutch lever is pulled, causing the engine to stall or the vehicle to creep or jerk when shifting. There are a few possible reasons to this like;
- Worn-out or damaged clutch plates
- A faulty clutch cable
- Improper clutch adjustment
Troubleshooting The Dragging Clutch Problem
- With use the clutch plates can become worn down or damaged, preventing them from disengaging fully so replacing the clutch plates is the only way to fix this issue.
- If the clutch cable is stuck, frayed or broken then it won’t properly disengage the clutch so replacing the faulty clutch cable will resolve the problem.
- Be sure to readjust the clutch to the proper specifications in your CFMOTO’s service manual.
3. Noisy Clutch
One of the most common problems CFMOTO owners experience is a noisy clutch. There are a few possible sources for sounds coming from the clutch like;
- Damaged clutch Plates
- A faulty release bearing
- A loose or damaged flywheel
Troubleshooting The Noisy Clutch Problem
- When the clutch plates deteriorate with frequent useage they do not engage as efficiently resulting in squealing, grinding or rattling noises therefore replacing the clutch plates is the only way to remedy this issue.
- If the release bearing is not functioning properly, the clutch will not fully disengage resulting in noise therefore replacement of the release bearing is required.
- If the flywheel becomes loose, damaged or warped, it can cause squealing, rattling or grinding noises. You will need to have the flywheel adjusted or replaced.
4. Hard Clutch Lever
A hard clutch lever can make it hard to control the clutch and also indicate several problems with your CFMOTO clutch system like;
- Worn-out clutch plates
- A malfunctioning clutch cable
- Low clutch fluid
Troubleshooting The Hard Clutch Lever Problem
- When the clutch plates wear down over time and with mileage the clutch lever becomes harder to pull so replacing the clutch plates will help resolve this problem.
- If the clutch cable sticks, binds or breaks then it will be very difficult to pull the clutch lever so replacing the clutch cable is required to repair this problem.
- Low or old clutch fluid can cause the clutch lever to become stiff so bleeding and refilling the clutch fluid system with fresh, clean fluid will restore proper clutch lever function.
5. Burned Out Clutch
A burned out clutch is another one of the common CFMOTO clutch problems. If you experience any of the following problems then your clutch may be burnt out;
- A slipping clutch
- Difficulty shifting
Troubleshooting The Burnt Out Clutch Problem
- You may notice a loss of power because of a slipping clutch especially when accelerating. A slipping clutch needs immediate replacement to avoid further damage.
- If it’s difficult or impossible to change gears in your CFMOTO vehicle then the clutch is likely burned out or damaged and needs to be replaced.
- You will most likely need the help of a professional mechanic to fix all of the problems on this list so do not hesitate to seek help.
How To Prevent CFMOTO Clutch Problems
- You need to drive cautiously especially when first learning how to properly operate a manual transmission.
- Make sure to push the clutch pedal all the way down to the floor when changing gears or coming to a stop.
- Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal when not changing gears as this causes the clutch to partially engage and wears it out quickly. Remove your foot from the clutch pedal completely when not shifting.
- Shift smoothly between gears because jerky or abrupt gear changes especially in lower gears can damage the clutch.
Why Does My CFMOTO Clutch Slip?
Clutch slippage is when the clutch plates fail to fully engage, causing the engine RPMs to rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. This is usually a sign that the clutch plates have become worn down or warped over time and high mileage.
Why Does My CFMOTO Clutch Drag?
Clutch drag is when the clutch remains partially engaged, even when the clutch lever is pulled in. This makes it difficult to shift gears and causes the vehicle to move slowly when idling in neutral. The most common causes of clutch drag are a worn or damaged clutch cable, a stuck clutch release fork or oil contamination of the clutch plates.
Conclusion
When you’re an owner of a CFMOTO vehicle, it is important to understand some of the common clutch issues that can arise to avoid costly repairs down the road. By also inspecting and maintaining your clutch regularly according to the recommendations in your owner’s manual, you can maximize performance and extend the life of this important drivetrain component. While clutches will inevitably wear out over time, catching most problems early and addressing them can save you from bigger headaches later.
