basic clutch question

[derdeb]

Hi there. I own a 99 manual transmission camry, and have a few questions abou the clutch. I bought the car with 99,000 km on it, and have put about 30,000 on it since. When I'm in first gear going really slow (like 10 km and hour) and suddently release the gas, the car kind of jerks to slow down as if im pressing the brake. Is this normal. Also, while driving on the highway i sometimes notice a smell like burnt hair. it only lasts for a minute or so. Any ideas of what this would be? Perhaps the clutch.

Thanks.

[xpeed]

You have to press on the clutch in order to avoid stalling. If your call slows down anywhere from 15 mph you have to press on the clutch. But I may be wrong because it can be different for all cars. I stalled going 20 mph in a Lancer Evolution 8. Nice car, but too bad it wasnt' mine.
And the burning smell, you should go check that out soon. If your clutch burns, it's not good.

[Nico]

What happens is pretty normal and would happen with ANY manual car. This smell either comes from the brakes or the clutch (but I would rather think of the brakes). Does this happen after having braked hard ?
Best way to test the clutch is as following :
Handbrake on, put first gear, release the clutch while giving a lot of gas, the car should stall immediately. If it takes to much time too stall then your clutch is good to be replaced. A clutch on a Camry is generally good for about 150,000 km (100,000 miles) but that mainly depends on the driving habits, driving most of the time with your foot on the clutch for instance will reduce the clutch life by +/- 50%.

[foompla]

im STILL trying to figure out how I burnt out a clutch with driving it for a day

[ryuji16]

i drive my buddys is300 once in a while, and his cars doesnt stall when your in first gear. it actually creeps, its crazy. itll stall if your going up hill or come to a complete stop, in which case you gotta use the clutch. but yea, in traffic you hardly have to clutch if you can time it right.

and nico is right, the slow down is perfectly normal

[Davee]

Originally Posted by Nico

What happens is pretty normal and would happen with ANY manual car. This smell either comes from the brakes or the clutch (but I would rather think of the brakes). Does this happen after having braked hard ?
Best way to test the clutch is as following :
Handbrake on, put first gear, release the clutch while giving a lot of gas, the car should stall immediately. If it takes to much time too stall then your clutch is good to be replaced. A clutch on a Camry is generally good for about 150,000 km (100,000 miles) but that mainly depends on the driving habits, driving most of the time with your foot on the clutch for instance will reduce the clutch life by +/- 50%.

I am at 175,000 Km and no clutch problems showing yet. Mostly highway -- I still have good brake pads which are also original . Shows the value of driving intelligently.