Clutch Replacement in Paignton

Paignton is a Torbay seaside resort with a pier, a harbour, a zoo and a busy seafront, and in summer the holiday traffic can be slow and relentless. Crawling along in first gear with the clutch constantly working is one of the quickest ways to cook a friction disc.

Automaster is a South Devon garage known for clutches, and we trade as Clutchmaster at Automaster. This page covers the symptoms, the work and what to include when you ask for a quote.

How do I tell if my clutch has had enough?

Slipping is the headline sign: you press the accelerator and the engine speed climbs but the car lags behind. You might also notice a judder as you release the pedal, a biting point that has moved high up, or a burning smell after sitting in traffic.

A pedal that sinks to the floor, sticks down or becomes heavy suggests a hydraulic or cable fault as well as, or instead of, a worn clutch.

• Slipping when accelerating
• Judder pulling away
• Burning smell in queues
• Heavy or sinking pedal
• Trouble selecting gears

What does a clutch replacement include?

Replacement means a full kit: pressure plate, friction disc and release bearing. The gearbox comes off the engine for access, and we inspect the flywheel and the seals while it is out. A glazed, cracked or worn flywheel will spoil a new clutch, so we assess it before refitting.

After reassembly we check the pedal action and drive the car to confirm the clutch engages smoothly.

Does the flywheel need replacing too?

Not always. Some flywheels can be reused if they are in good condition. Many modern engines use a dual-mass flywheel, which has internal springs to smooth out vibration. These can wear, rattle at idle or cause shudder, and then they need replacing alongside the clutch.

We will show you what we find and explain the choice rather than adding parts for the sake of it.

Can you fix a hydraulic clutch fault without a new clutch?

Often, yes. If a slave cylinder is leaking, a master cylinder has failed, a pipe is corroded or air has got into the fluid, the answer can be a hydraulic repair. Cable systems can be adjusted or the cable renewed.

We cannot promise that until we have inspected the car, because symptoms overlap.

Do you cover Paignton and where is the garage?

Yes. Drivers from Paignton, Torbay, Brixham, Churston and Totnes come to Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We are an RAC Approved Garage.

Tell us about the symptoms when you call and we can advise whether the car should be driven in.