Clutch Replacement in Ringmore

Ringmore is a small coastal village of narrow lanes, popular with walkers and holiday visitors. Plenty of cars here spend their days making short trips, stop-start parking and hill starts, which is not kind to a clutch.

Our garage, Automaster, sits at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We are known as Clutchmaster for our clutch work, and we also repair the hydraulic parts and flywheels that go with it. Here is what to look for, and what we will do.

What are the warning signs of a failing clutch?

A clutch rarely fails without warning. Look out for a biting point that has crept higher, a pedal that feels heavy or vague, juddering as you move off, a burning smell, or a car that revs without pulling.

Gear selection trouble, particularly into first or reverse when stationary, can also be a clutch that is not releasing properly.

Catching these early matters. A clutch caught while it is merely slipping slightly can often be dealt with before it damages the flywheel, which keeps the job more straightforward.

• Higher or vaguer biting point
• Heavy or spongy pedal
• Pedal sinking or sticking
• Gears hard to select

Why are clutch parts replaced together?

The pressure plate, driven plate and release bearing wear at similar rates and all live inside the same bell housing. If one is tired, the others are not far behind, and the gearbox has to come off to reach any of them.

Fitting a complete kit avoids paying for the same access twice, and it means the new friction plate meets a fresh pressure surface.

We will show you the old parts if you would like to see why they were changed, so you know the work was needed.

Could it be hydraulic rather than the clutch itself?

Yes. Many cars use a hydraulic system with a master cylinder at the pedal and a slave cylinder at the gearbox. If either leaks, or a pipe is damaged, or air gets in, the clutch may not release fully even though the plate itself is fine.

Older or simpler cars may use a cable instead, which can stretch or fray. These are often more straightforward repairs than a full replacement.

Our inspection tells us whether the clutch is the culprit, because a gearbox fault can feel similar from the driver's seat. We would rather confirm than guess.

Where should Ringmore drivers take their car?

Bring it to Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. We see drivers from Ringmore and from nearby Bigbury, Kingston, Bantham and Thurlestone.

With narrow lanes and little room to stop, avoid driving a car with a clutch that is dropping out or will not disengage. If in doubt, call and ask for advice.

What decides how much a clutch replacement costs?

Mainly the car itself. Some models allow quick access to the clutch, while others need subframes, driveshafts or exhaust sections moving. A flywheel or hydraulic part adds to the total.

We do not quote prices on this page. Send us your registration and symptoms and ask for a quote.

Be ready to tell us about any recent work on the clutch or gearbox, because earlier repairs can affect what we find. Knowing whether the car is used for short local trips or longer runs also helps us understand the wear.