Clutch Replacement in Hexworth

Hexworth is a small rural hamlet in Dartmoor-edge country, reached by narrow lanes. There is little room to coast, and a clutch that will not behave on a tight lane is a nuisance at the very least and can be unsafe.

Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster, is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby places such as Heathfield, Liverton, Bickington and Caton come to us for clutch work.

Why act early on clutch trouble in a rural area?

Out on lanes with few places to pull over, a clutch that stops disengaging or a pedal that goes soft can leave you stuck. Catching wear early means the repair can happen on your terms.

Watch for slipping, rising biting point, judder, a burning smell or a heavy pedal.

Because the lanes around the hamlet are narrow, you may use first gear and the clutch far more than a driver on straight main roads. That extra slipping of the clutch at low speed produces heat and wear, so rural clutches can reach the end of their life sooner than owners expect.

A good habit is to notice small changes. If the car pulls away differently than it did a month ago, mention it when you ask for a quote.

What does a clutch kit include?

A kit normally contains a pressure plate, a driven plate and a release bearing. They are replaced together because getting to any of them means separating the gearbox from the engine, and they wear as a set.

We check the flywheel and related seals while it is all apart.

Fitting the kit as a set also means the new clutch starts life with a matched pressure plate and friction disc, which helps it engage smoothly instead of grabbing or juddering.

• Pressure plate
• Driven plate (friction disc)
• Release bearing

Does the flywheel need replacing as well?

Many cars use a dual-mass flywheel that can wear out, causing judder, rattle or fast clutch wear. If it shows heat damage or play, we usually recommend replacing it with the clutch. Solid flywheels may sometimes be machined, depending on the vehicle and condition.

If the flywheel is perfectly sound we tell you so, and you avoid paying for a part that does not need replacing. If it is not, we show you why.

Could it be hydraulics or a cable?

Yes. Leaking slave or master cylinders, damaged pipes, air in the system or a stretched cable can all mimic clutch failure. Where the clutch itself is fine, a repair can be simpler. We inspect before promising anything.

We also look at the simple things first, because a pedal that feels odd does not always mean the expensive parts have failed. Fluid level, visible leaks and the condition of the pedal linkage are all part of the check.

Do you cover Hexworth, and what affects a quote?

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes and we welcome drivers from small places like Hexworth. Ask for a quote and tell us the make, model, engine and the symptoms. In words, the quote depends on how much work is needed to reach the clutch, the flywheel and whether hydraulic parts are involved.

Quote questions we hear often include whether the work can be done on a car with high mileage, and the answer is that it depends on the condition of everything around the clutch. We would rather explain that honestly than promise too much.