Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Clutch smells like it's burning!

Doesn't take too lomg of a drive before the clutch takes on a strong burning smell. Very noticable once you park the car and walk around the front.

Local mechanic recently made the observation that the fluid drip I have on the driver's side of the engine compartment Is coming from the mating of the engine-to-transaxle. He said it could be an engine seal or a transaxle seal leak and it is getting onto the clutch friction plate.

Curiously, I smelled the power steering fluid resevoir (thought it was the hydraulic fluid for the clutch) and it also smelled the same burned smell.

So, what have I got here?

Don't notice slippage of the clutch, nor any fluid loss of any kind (maybe power steering)

Leaking fluid is probably getting on exhaust causing the smell. Doesn't take many drips to cause a smell, but lot's of drips to cause a lowering of fluid levels.
Your best to wipe underside of engine to see if that reduces smell. Also need to identify if engine oil, transmission or brake(clutch) fluid.