# Troubleshooting the clutch system

### Clutch slipping

#### Cause

#### Correction

Clutch contact pressure insufficient. | Replace pressure plate
Clutch plate worn beyond minimum thickness of 7.5mm (0.295") | Replace clutch
Clutch plate contaminated with oil | Replace faulty crank or input shaft seal, clean or replace clutch
Clutch was overheated | Replace clutch

### Clutch grabs

#### Cause

#### Correction

Clutch plate run-out in excess of 0.5mm (0.020") | Replace clutch
Clutch plate contaminated with oil | Replace faulty crank or input shaft seal and replace clutch
Release pressure one sided | Check release lever
Pressure plate pressing unevenly | Replace pressure plate
Crankshaft not aligned with transmission input shaft | Check centering surfaces on engine and transmission.
Engine or transmission mounts faulty. | Replace effected mounts

### Clutch fails to release

#### Cause

#### Correction

Drive plate wrenched excessively or clutch plate broken | Replace clutch
Drive plate lateral run-out exceeds 0.5mm (0.020") | Straighten or replace clutch
Clutch plate rusted on flywheel | Resurface flywheel and clean or replace clutch
Drive plate seized on transmission input shaft | Replace clutch and clean and lube or replace input shaft
Pilot bearing in crankshaft bad | Replace pilot bearing
Air in hydraulic system | Bleed clutch
Tangential leaf springs of clutch bent | Replace clutch

### Clutch noise

#### Cause

#### Correction

Clutch and/or pressure plate out of balance | Replace clutch
Broken damper springs | Replace clutch
Clutch release bearing faulty | Replace bearing
Pilot bearing faulty | Replace bearing
Clutch rivets loose | Replace clutch
Input shaft bearing faulty | Replace input bearing

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson