Clutch Replacement in Loddiswell

Loddiswell is a South Hams village in the River Avon valley, with narrow, steep lanes heading towards Kingsbridge. If your clutch is not right, those gradients will find the problem quickly.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we are known as Clutchmaster. Below is how we approach clutch trouble, in the order most drivers ask about it.

Why is my car juddering or slipping on the hills?

Hills show up weaknesses because the clutch has to transmit more load. A worn driven plate slips under that load, a warped or glazed surface grabs and shudders, and a worn flywheel or engine mount adds judder of its own.

If the car has got noticeably worse on climbs lately, do not leave it long.

The same applies to a clutch that grabs suddenly, since a sudden bite on a steep lane can surprise a driver and cause a stall or a bump.

What is in a new clutch kit?

A kit generally includes a pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing. Depending on the vehicle, a new flywheel or its fixings may also be needed.

We fit the parts that suit your engine and gearbox, checking the flywheel and surrounding components as we go.

The release bearing in particular is a small part with a large effect. A noisy or worn one can make a whirring or grinding sound when the pedal is pressed, and it is far better changed with the kit than left to fail later.

• Pressure plate
• Driven plate (friction disc)
• Release bearing
• Flywheel if worn

What if the pedal is the problem, not the clutch plate?

Pedals that sink to the floor, stick, or feel spongy often point to the master cylinder, slave cylinder, pipework or air in the hydraulic system. Cable clutches can fray or stretch.

These faults may be repaired without a new kit, but we confirm this on inspection rather than promise it.

If the pedal feels spongy or is slow to return, air in the system or a leaking cylinder is a likely cause, and bleeding alone sometimes cures it. We will tell you if that is all that is needed.

Can you help drivers around Loddiswell?

Yes. Automaster looks after drivers from Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Hazelwood, Modbury and Bantham. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Rural lanes here are narrow and offer few places to stop. If the clutch is failing to release, get advice from us on moving the car safely before attempting the trip.

Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster, is used to drivers who know a problem is developing but are not sure how urgent it is. Call or ask for a quote, and we will help you judge.

What drives the time and cost of replacing a clutch?

Access to the gearbox is the main factor, and it changes with every model. The condition of the flywheel and any hydraulic parts is the second. The parts needed for your particular engine complete the picture.

Ask for a quote and tell us the registration so we can discuss realistic work.

If your car has a dual-mass flywheel, mention it. That affects the parts list and the amount of work involved, and an honest conversation at the start avoids surprises.