Clutch Replacement in Dartington

Daily life in Dartington often means a mix of commuter runs and visitor traffic on the A384, especially when the Dartington Hall estate has gardens open or arts events on. That pattern of busy junctions and slow queues is hard on any clutch.

Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster, is based just up the road at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We fit new clutches, replace flywheels and fix hydraulic faults, and we aim to be straight with you about which of those your car actually needs.

Why does my clutch judder or slip?

Judder usually points to contamination, uneven wear or a damaged flywheel surface, while slipping means the friction plate can no longer grip. Either can follow a commute full of queues. Other signs include a high biting point, a vague or heavy pedal, a burning smell and trouble finding gears.

Try to note when it happens: cold starts, after a long queue, or only on slopes. That detail helps us separate a worn clutch from a hydraulic fault, and it costs you nothing to mention it when you call.

• Revs rising without the car accelerating
• Shuddering as you pull away
• A biting point right at the top of the pedal
• Pedal that sinks, sticks or feels notchy

What does a clutch replacement involve?

We remove the gearbox to reach the clutch, then fit a new pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing. These parts work as one assembly, and splitting them rarely makes sense because the gearbox would have to come out again if one failed early.

We also inspect the flywheel. If it is a dual-mass type and has play or scoring, replacing it with the clutch is usually sensible.

Can a clutch be repaired instead of replaced?

Sometimes. If the pedal falls to the floor, the cause may be a leaking slave or master cylinder, a weeping pipe or air in the system. A cable car may just need a new cable. We confirm by inspection first, because the symptoms of a hydraulic fault and a worn clutch can look alike.

How is a clutch quote worked out?

The car itself is the biggest factor, since access to the gearbox varies a lot between models. Add the parts needed, including any flywheel, and the work involved in bleeding or replacing hydraulics. Please ask for a quote rather than guess.

Have your registration and a short description of the symptoms ready, and mention if the problem is getting worse.

Is Automaster close enough for Dartington drivers?

We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, and Dartington is one of the villages we regularly see cars from, along with Totnes, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge. If you are unsure whether to bring the car in, ask us first.

Please avoid driving on if the clutch will not disengage cleanly, as that can make the car difficult to control.