Clutch Replacement in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge sits at the head of its estuary on the A379, with a steep main street and country roads running off in every direction. Hill starts, queues and busy market-day parking give a clutch plenty to do.

Automaster, known as Clutchmaster, is a full garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. When a Kingsbridge driver brings in a clutch problem, we inspect it, explain the cause and quote for the work, whether that is a repair, a new kit or a flywheel.

Is my clutch worn out or is it something else?

Several faults feel alike from the driver's seat. A slipping clutch, a high biting point and a juddering start can all come from a worn friction plate, but a hydraulic leak, a stretched cable or a worn flywheel can cause similar symptoms.

That is why inspection comes first. We do not assume a new kit is needed until we have seen the evidence.

A quick description of when it happens, such as cold starts, hot days, hill starts or in reverse, makes inspection quicker and the diagnosis surer.

• Slipping on hills
• High or vague biting point
• Heavy or sinking pedal
• Judder when moving off

What does clutch fitting involve step by step?

The gearbox is separated from the engine, the old clutch and, where needed, the flywheel are removed, and the mating surfaces are inspected. A new kit with pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing is fitted, and the gearbox is refitted.

Afterwards the hydraulic system or cable is checked, and the pedal, biting point and gear changes are tested.

Taking the time over refitting is what gives a smooth pedal and a clean take-off, rather than a clutch that grabs.

When should the flywheel be replaced with the clutch?

If the flywheel is heat-marked, cracked or worn, or if a dual-mass unit rattles or has excessive play, it should be changed with the clutch. Leaving a poor flywheel in place can shorten the life of the new clutch considerably.

If it measures up, it may be reused. We will tell you what we find and why.

A flywheel that is within limits can often be kept, which keeps the work down.

Can I get my clutch fixed if I live in or near Kingsbridge?

Yes. Drivers from Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Loddiswell, Modbury and Thurlestone use Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Because the town streets are steep, avoid driving a car whose clutch is failing to disengage. Speak to us about getting it to the garage safely.

We are a one-stop garage, so if the clutch is only part of what the car needs, we can talk through the rest of the work at the same visit.

How is a clutch quote worked out?

We look at the car, the amount of dismantling needed to reach the clutch, any extra parts such as a flywheel or hydraulic components, and the parts specified for your engine.

The more you can tell us about the symptoms and the vehicle, the more accurate the conversation can be. Ask for a quote.

Do tell us if the car has been repaired before, as earlier work on the clutch or gearbox area may affect what we find when we open it up.