Clutch depressed for a long time

I realize its best practice to never hold the clutch down unnecessarily or ride the clutch for that matter. But what will break (over time) if I hold it down for say 5 minutes?

 

If you're not moving it shouldn't cause any extra wear. If you're riding it as you drive and go down a hill etc, you can be expecting to be changing your clutch quicker than normal wear and tear. I wouldn't suggest this anyways.

 

It shouldn't it's just sitting in neutral. Riding the clutch is bad because your wearing your clutch by letting it spin against the friction plate? and wearing off material. With the clutch pushed all the way in its just spinning freely so no wear should occur.

 

If you're not going anywhere, it'd be fine, but if you drive holding it down like that, expect to be replacing it in short order.

 

Ya I was meaning holding it down for 5 minutes while standing still

 

This is like saying, "if I do burnouts am I going to have to replace my tires quicker than not doing burnouts?"

 

Shouldn't cause any problems, but I'm curious to why you're on the clutch for 5 minutes at a stand still. Why not just take it out of gear until you're ready to move?

 

I was under the impression it put excess pressure on the crankshaft thrust bearing, possibly causing more wear over the life of the vehicle…

 

Yeah i was wondering that as well. It's a common practice for me

 

You might get a cramp in your leg but not much more. Honestly if this is a regular practice I suppose you might weaken the pressure plate or glaze the clutch plate if it is not totally disengaged, but not much else. Still it is best is to take it out of gear.

 

Just curious, why would you sit there for 5 minutes not moving holding your clutch in?

 

Because maybe the OP thinks that doing it for 4 minutes isn't going to cause any issues. They just wanted to see where that line is.