Clutch Replacement in Deancombe

Deancombe is a small hamlet in the South Devon countryside, reached by narrow lanes where you spend a lot of time in first and second gear. Slow junctions, gateways and tight bends keep the clutch busy long before the car has covered many miles.

Automaster trades as Clutchmaster and we are at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from the surrounding countryside bring us their cars for clutch replacement, flywheel work and hydraulic repairs, and we explain what we find in plain English.

How do I tell if my clutch is going?

Watch for slipping, where the engine revs but the car hangs back, and judder as you pull away. A biting point that moves higher or becomes vague, a heavy pedal, a pedal that sinks or sticks, and a burning smell are all signs. If gears become hard to select, do not ignore it on narrow lanes where you need full control.

• Slipping or surging when pulling away
• Burning smell after slow lane driving
• Heavy or notchy pedal
• Gears that will not select cleanly

What is included when you fit a new clutch?

We replace the pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing as a set. The gearbox has to be removed to do it, so fitting a mixed set of old and new parts would be false economy. We also check the flywheel and advise on replacement if a dual-mass unit shows wear.

Because the pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing are all behind the gearbox, doing the job properly once is cheaper in effort and time than doing it twice. We are happy to explain the wear we find.

Is it always a worn clutch?

No. A sinking or soft pedal may come from a failing slave or master cylinder, a leaking pipe or air in the system. A cable can also stretch. Because those faults feel similar to wear, we inspect first and only recommend a repair or a new kit once we know the cause.

Cars used mostly on lanes often have a clutch worn on the friction side but a pedal feel that stays fairly normal. So a sudden slip can seem to come from nowhere, when really it has been building for months.

What should I mention when asking for a quote?

Give us the registration, the symptoms and how long you have noticed them. The vehicle, the parts needed and whether a flywheel or hydraulic work is involved all shape the time and cost, so we do not guess. Ask for a quote and we will talk you through the options.

If you are not sure which fault you have, describe it as you would to a friend: when it happens, what you hear and smell, and what the pedal does. That is often enough for us to plan the inspection.

Do you cover Deancombe, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, and we welcome drivers from the surrounding countryside and from nearby places such as Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington.

If your clutch is failing, it is wise to avoid long trips. Narrow lanes leave little room for a car that will not move off or change gear properly.