Clutch Replacement in Dawlish

Dawlish is a seaside town known for the railway running along the sea wall, with steep hills inland and busy visitor traffic on the A379. Queuing along the coast and climbing away from the sea are two things that test a clutch.

At Automaster, also trading as Clutchmaster at Automaster, we replace and repair clutches. Here is how to spot trouble early and what to expect from the work.

What does a failing clutch feel like on the A379?

In slow visitor traffic the clutch is in constant use, and a worn one will slip, judder or smell hot. When the queue clears and you accelerate, slipping shows as rising revs with little extra speed.

Heavy, sinking or sticking pedals and trouble finding gears are further clues and should not be ignored.

Coastal air also takes a toll on cables, pipes and fittings. Corrosion on a hydraulic pipe or a seized cable can mimic a worn clutch, so it is worth describing exactly how the pedal feels when you call.

• Rising revs, little speed
• Judder in queues
• Burning smell
• Pedal feels wrong
• Hard to select gears

What does a clutch replacement involve?

The gearbox is separated from the engine so we can fit a new pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing. We check the flywheel and the seals for leaks, and adjust or bleed the hydraulics.

If the car has done a lot of short trips and queues, the friction disc may be worn thin while the pressure plate shows glazing or heat marks. Those are the details we look at and explain.

Why do you recommend changing the parts together?

They wear together, and the labour of gearbox removal dominates the job. Reusing an old pressure plate or bearing might save a little now but risks paying for the same job again.

A matched set gives the new clutch the strongest chance of a long life.

Replacing the set together also avoids the nuisance of noise from a tired release bearing, which can start soon after a new disc is fitted if the old bearing is reused.

What about flywheel and hydraulic faults?

A dual-mass flywheel can wear and cause rattle or shudder, and may need replacing with the clutch. A pedal that sinks or will not return could be a slave cylinder, master cylinder, pipe or air problem, which can sometimes be repaired alone. Cable clutches have their own issues.

We inspect before advising.

A shuddering at idle that disappears when you press the pedal is a typical dual-mass flywheel symptom, whereas judder only when moving off more often points to the friction parts.

Do you cover Dawlish, and where do I bring my car?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Heathfield come to us.

If the clutch is failing badly, tell us when you call.