Clutch Replacement in Ermington

Ermington sits in the River Erme valley, reached by narrow country roads, and many local drivers head for Ivybridge and Plymouth each day. Valley lanes, tight junctions and commuter queues all keep the left foot working hard.

Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster, is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We handle clutch replacement, flywheel work and hydraulic repairs, and we talk you through each step before it happens.

What are the signs of a clutch problem?

Slipping, judder and a biting point that creeps higher are the classics. You might also feel a heavy pedal, or one that sinks or sticks, smell burning, or struggle to select gears. Narrow valley roads make these faults more obvious because you spend so long at low speed.

Try to remember when you first noticed it and whether it has changed. A gradual change usually means wear, while a sudden one can mean a hydraulic or cable failure, and the difference shapes our inspection.

• Revs rising with no extra speed
• Shake as you pull away
• Sticking or sinking pedal
• Trouble selecting gears

Why are several parts replaced together?

The pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing wear together and all sit behind the gearbox. Because removing the gearbox is the main labour, fitting them as a set saves repeating it. The flywheel is inspected, and a worn dual-mass flywheel is sensibly replaced with the new clutch.

On a car that does a lot of stop-start driving, the release bearing works almost constantly. A worn one can whine when the pedal is held down, and it is far easier to replace while the gearbox is already out.

Can the clutch be repaired instead?

Sometimes. A leaking slave or master cylinder, a damaged pipe, air in the system or a stretched cable can mimic a worn clutch. Fixing the actual fault may be enough. We would only know after inspecting the car, so we avoid promising anything over the phone.

A soft pedal after a long period of no use can also point to a hydraulic leak that has slowly drained the system. If you have been topping up fluid, please tell us, as the leak will need finding.

What should I know before asking for a quote?

The cost and time depend on the car, access to the gearbox, parts and whether hydraulic or flywheel work is needed. Have your registration ready, and tell us what the pedal does and whether it is petrol or diesel. Then ask for a quote and we will explain it.

Valley lanes and hill starts out of the village can hide a worn clutch until it fails. So if you have noticed any change in pedal feel, even a small one, it is worth an inspection before it strands you.

Do you cover Ermington, and where is Automaster?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, and drivers from Ermington come to us, alongside people from Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston.

If your clutch is failing, take care on country lanes. A car that will not move off or select gear cleanly should be left parked until it is checked.