When your Oldsmobile clutch begins to fail, it is usually recommended that you replace all the major components of the clutch at once, since these parts will soon begin to deteriorate and fail at the same time. Although it is common to replace the entire Oldsmobile clutch when it starts to fail, it is good practice to take apart the faulty clutch and diagnose the issue, in order to prevent future problems with the new clutch. Consider this an autopsy on your Oldsmobile clutch, to diagnose where and how the failure first began. Of course, ultimately the failure lies in the heat and friction that your Oldsmobile clutch components endure. Eventually, the friction will wear down the friction materials, until the surface is too thin to transmit enough torque to move the car normally. That friction material is pretty similar in composition to the friction material on the pads of a disc brake, or the shoes of a drum brake. When most or all of the friction material wears away, you will notice a slipping clutch that will eventually stop transmitting any power from the engine to the wheels. The clutch components should be inspected, and the problem can be diagnosed there. When you take apart the clutch, check the flywheel surface for dishing, grooves, heat checks, burnt spots and cracks. Check the throw-out bearing, fork, retainer and all components of the release system, which must move freely in order to avoid future problems with your transmission system and Oldsmobile clutch.