High RPM's and very low speed

CHRIS FLORES

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET CAMARO
3.8L
V6
RWD
MANUAL
92,000 MILES

My car has been acting up lately as in it can be very dangerous to drive. First off my clutch started going out I feel as if there is gust air in the clutch and it just needs to be bled. Second as I put my car into first gear the car does not seem to move right away. I have to really step on the gas to even get some movement. And I just do not know where to start or what could I do first. It does that in every gear. I have to really step on the gas to even get some movement. And to top it off since the clutch has an issue. The clutch sometimes just sticks to the ground as if it just does not have any pressure. There is no check engine light on at all. But recently when I turn my car on it blows out white smoke. A little thicker looking than usual.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Sounds like you are describing a worn clutch disc. Trying to force the car to move will only cause the disc to slip more and overheat. That can cause hot spots on the flywheel surface that can't be machined out. The flywheel has to be replaced for that to prevent chatter when engaging the clutch.

It is also possible something came apart with the clutch release mechanism. That could cause a low pedal, but if it is causing that slipping, it is still going to destroy the clutch disc.