Clutch Replacement in Buckfast

Buckfast is a village built around its abbey, and the lanes and junctions nearby are full of visitors for much of the year. Short hops, slow queues and frequent restarts are tough on a clutch, even when the miles are low.

Automaster, which also trades as Clutchmaster, is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We work on clutches every week, and we are happy to talk through symptoms before you book anything.

Why does my clutch feel wrong after short journeys?

Lots of short trips mean lots of clutch engagement and little chance for it to cool. A worn plate can slip, the pedal can feel heavy or the biting point can sit oddly high or low. Burning smells, juddering and stiff gear changes are the other common clues.

Mention any recent change, such as a new noise, a different pedal height or a smell after a hill start. Small details like these save time at the inspection and help us explain our findings.

• A biting point that has crept higher
• Judder when moving off
• Difficulty finding gears
• A pedal that sticks or sinks

What does a full clutch fitting cover?

The core of the work is a new pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing, all fitted together. Replacing only one part usually means the gearbox comes out again soon after. We also check the flywheel, and if it is a dual-mass type with wear or damage, we will explain why replacing it makes sense.

The release bearing is a small part that does a big job. It presses on the pressure plate every time you push the pedal, so a noisy or tired one is worth replacing while everything is apart rather than leaving a weak link behind.

Could it be hydraulics rather than the clutch itself?

Yes. Slave or master cylinder failures, leaking pipes and air in the hydraulic circuit can all cause a low or sinking pedal. If your car has a cable, stretch or fraying can cause similar trouble. These repairs are often smaller jobs, but only an inspection will show which applies.

If you notice a whirring or rumbling when the pedal is pressed, mention it when you ask for a quote. It can point to the release bearing, and it helps us plan the work properly.

How do you price clutch work for Buckfast customers?

We quote once we know the car and the problem. The model, the access to the gearbox, any flywheel and any hydraulic parts all affect the time and cost. Please ask for a quote and have the registration to hand, along with the symptoms and whether it is petrol or diesel.

Flywheel faults can be quiet at first. A dual-mass flywheel may rattle at idle or cause a shudder on pull-away long before the clutch itself gives up, so we always treat the two as connected.

Do you cover Buckfast, and is the garage easy to find?

Yes, Buckfast is well within the area we serve, and the abbey village is next door to Buckfastleigh, which we also cover. Our workshop is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes. Drivers also come from South Brent and Holne.

Please do not keep driving if the clutch is dragging or the car will not go into gear smoothly.