Irrespective of the amount of care you give to your vehicle, there remains a chance of possible oversight that can create severe problems for it. Not every vehicle owner is well-informed of the hydraulic system that is installed in their vehicle. They just know how to use the vehicle along with some basic maintenance tips that keep the automobile running. However, there are some common hydraulic clutch mistakes that most of the vehicle owners’ continue doing that affect the lifespan of their vehicle’s hydraulic system.
You don’t have to be an expert to properly maintain the hydraulic clutch and avoid making the common mistakes. You can easily maintain the hydraulic system, even if you don’t know much about the clutch perch or motocross clutch lever or other components. We have created a list of hydraulic clutch mistakes that are commonly done by vehicle owners. Check out each of the points and make sure to never repeat it.
Not Changing the Oil
The hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of a hydraulic system. If you don’t change the oil routinely, then you will end up affecting the hydraulic clutch functioning. The hydraulic fluid should be replaced when either the base has degenerated, or the additives have been consumed. Having a precise estimate of when to change the fluid is also essential. If you change the oil too frequently, then you will end up wasting your money. Instead of discarding the good oil, make a habit of changing it after every 50 hours. The duration can vary for different vehicles, depending on how much they are used regularly.
Changing the system’s oil after every 50 hours of service is considered standard because the fuel starts collecting metal filings and particles during use. If the same oil is continuously used, then it starts affecting the performance of clutch perch and motocross clutch lever too.
Using Low-Grade Hydraulic Oil
Would you drink water that contains impurities? Undoubtedly, the answer will be a big NO! So why to give your vehicle low-grade oil? Using low-quality oil can significantly hamper the functioning of the entire hydraulic system. The fluid used in the hydraulic system keeps the components well-lubricated and ensures proper functioning and safe operations.
The viscosity of low-grade oil may not be compatible with the system’s temperature. Too high temperature can stop the low-quality oil from flowing properly, and low temperature may not facilitate the proper lubrication of all components. So use premium quality oil that keeps the vehicle running. This way, you will face any problem concerning the system and hydraulic clutch.
Not Changing the Filter
The hydraulic oil filter has a specific capacity to hold dirt. If you don’t inspect and change the filter on time, then dirty oil will continue to reach the various components of the system. It can end up affecting almost all the elements, including the clutch perch, motocross clutch lever, and others. But you should also be careful about not removing the filter before time.
Doing so will result in money wastage. Once the dirt-holding capacity is over, you should make the replacement before the opening of the vehicle’s bypass valve. To make things easy, you can use a mechanism that monitors the hydraulic oil filter’s performance and its condition. A clogging indicator is one such device that can be used for this purpose. This device will alert you when the filter exceeds the danger point. It will give you a clear and precise idea of when to change the filter.
Ignoring Overheating
If your vehicle’s system gets too hot too soon, then you should get it inspected. Overheating can easily and quickly destroy seals, hoses, and all other components of the hydraulic system. You should keep in mind that the temperature should not exceed 82°C in any case. Extreme overheating is severely harmful to the fluid too. In some cases, your vehicle’s system can become significantly hot, even at temperatures below 82°C. The key is to be attentive. Whenever you feel that the system is getting overheated or any of the components, say hydraulic clutch, clutch perch, or any other element isn’t functioning properly, then you should get the vehicle inspected by a professional.
Avoiding Tiny Leaks
Some people tend to overlook tiny leaks in their hydraulic clutch setup. It is a big mistake that can cost you severe damages in the long run. If the leaks are not repaired during the initial stage, then the fluid will continue to leak over some time. When a significant portion of the fluid leaks out this way, you won’t be able to operate the clutch properly. But even before the clutch stops functioning, you may notice and experience difficulty in engaging gears while shifting. Take it as a warning sign and get it repaired at the earliest.
You can inspect under the dash where the vehicle’s clutch pedal mechanism ends at the firewall. It is the place where you will find the master cylinder too. If any leakage is apparent from the cylinder, then replace it. You should call a professional for such things if you haven’t replaced the cylinder earlier.
The mistakes shared above may appear small, but they possess severe consequences. Make sure that you avoid all the mistakes shared in this article at any cost. People that get their vehicle routinely inspected and maintained, often encounter such problems. But if you haven’t taken your bike to an authorized repairer, then it is better than you keep a check on it and get your bike inspected, repaired, and maintained whenever required.