Clutch Replacement in Milber

Milber sits on the edge of Newton Abbot, with homes close to an industrial estate and quick access to the A380. That mix means a lot of stop-start driving, short hops to work and plenty of van and car traffic, all of which is hard on a clutch.

At Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster, clutches are what we are known for. Drivers from Milber, Newton Abbot, Abbotskerswell, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Teignmouth bring their cars to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes when the pedal stops feeling right.

What are the signs I need a new clutch?

A worn clutch rarely fails without warning. The most common sign is slipping: the revs rise when you accelerate, especially in a higher gear or going uphill, but the car does not pick up speed to match. Judder when pulling away, a biting point that has crept right up to the top of the pedal, or a pedal that feels heavy, vague or slow to return are all worth checking.

A burning smell after a hill start or a queue of traffic points to friction material overheating. Difficulty selecting gears, particularly first and reverse, can mean the clutch is not fully disengaging. If the pedal sinks to the floor or sticks, treat it as a hydraulic problem and have it looked at promptly.

• Slipping under load
• Judder on pulling away
• High or vague biting point
• Heavy, sinking or sticking pedal
• Burning smell or trouble finding gears

What does a clutch replacement involve?

A clutch kit normally means a pressure plate, a driven plate (the friction disc) and a release bearing. On most cars the gearbox has to be separated from the engine to get at them, so this is a significant job. Once everything is out we inspect the flywheel surface, the crankshaft seal and the gearbox input shaft before fitting the new parts.

We fit the parts as a set because they wear together. Putting a new friction disc against a tired pressure plate or noisy bearing often means doing the same labour again before long.

Do I need a flywheel replacement too?

Many modern petrol and diesel cars have a dual-mass flywheel, which has springs and a damper built in to smooth out engine vibration. These can wear, rattle or develop heat damage, and a worn one can make a brand new clutch judder. A solid single-mass flywheel may sometimes be machined smooth, but whether that is suitable depends on the vehicle and the condition we find.

We would rather show you what we find on the day than guess over the phone, so you can decide with the facts in front of you.

Repair or replace: what is wrong with my clutch?

Not every clutch complaint means a new kit. A pedal that sinks, sticks or feels spongy may be a hydraulic fault, such as a leaking slave or master cylinder, a weeping pipe or air in the system. Cable clutches can stretch, fray or seize. These can often be put right without touching the clutch itself, but only an inspection will tell us which side of the line your car falls on.

If the clutch is slipping or the friction material is worn, repair is not an option and replacement is the sensible route.

Do you cover Milber, and what affects the quote?

Yes, Milber drivers are welcome. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and customers from Newton Abbot and the surrounding area come to us for clutch work. Ask for a quote and tell us your registration, the symptoms and whether it is petrol or diesel.

In words, the quote depends on the model, how much access the engine bay allows, whether the flywheel needs replacing, and whether a hydraulic part is involved. Extra faults found on inspection can change the picture, and we explain them before doing more.