Clutch Replacement in Hazelwood

Hazelwood is a small rural hamlet in the River Avon valley area of the South Hams. Drivers from here and the surrounding countryside come to Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, when the clutch needs attention.

We are known as Clutchmaster. Whether your clutch is slipping, juddering or has gone heavy, this page explains how we find the cause and what we will ask of you for a quote.

What is wrong with my clutch?

A slipping clutch, a juddering start, a high or vague biting point, a heavy pedal, a pedal that sinks or sticks, a burning smell or trouble selecting gears can all be clutch faults. The cause may be worn friction parts, a hydraulic leak, a cable or the flywheel.

We inspect before giving an opinion, because the right fix depends on which of these it is.

Even rural lanes put a clutch through its paces, from tractors holding up traffic to steep junctions, so wear can build up gradually.

Pay attention to anything that has changed recently, however small, such as a pedal that feels different or a new noise when you press it.

• Slipping
• Judder
• High or vague biting point
• Pedal sinking or sticking
• Burning smell

How does clutch replacement work?

The gearbox is lifted away from the engine so the old clutch can be removed. We then fit a new pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing, check the flywheel and clutch operation, and refit the gearbox.

Replacing the parts together is sensible because they wear together and the labour is in reaching them.

Afterwards, we test the pedal and the gear changes, so you know the car is back to feeling right.

Flywheel replacement or dual-mass flywheel problems: what should I know?

Many cars use a dual-mass flywheel to smooth the engine's vibration. When it wears, you may hear rattling or feel judder. A worn flywheel will damage a new clutch, so we replace it where needed.

Not all cars have one, and not all need it replaced. It depends on the vehicle and what we find.

If you have had a clutch replaced before and the problem has returned, mention that too, as it can point to a flywheel or hydraulic cause that was missed.

Where is the nearest clutch garage for Hazelwood drivers?

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. We welcome drivers from Hazelwood and from Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Modbury and South Brent.

Country lanes offer few safe places to stop, so if your clutch is dropping out, ask us about getting the car to us safely.

Drivers from hamlets and farms around the valley, and from nearby Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Modbury and South Brent, bring their cars to us.

How do you decide the cost of a clutch job?

It depends on the vehicle, how much needs removing to reach the gearbox, whether the flywheel or hydraulic components need replacing, and the parts required. We do not give figures here.

Ask for a quote with your registration and symptoms, and we will explain the work.

A clutch that is only a little worn is easier and quicker to plan around than one that has failed completely, so earlier is better.