Clutch Replacement in Torbay

The English Riviera wraps Torquay, Paignton and Brixham around Tor Bay, with hills, seafront traffic and heavy summer visitor numbers. For a clutch, that mix means plenty of hill starts, queues and low-speed driving.

At Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster at Automaster, we replace and repair clutches for drivers right across Torbay. Read on for the symptoms, the process and how to get a sensible quote.

Which clutch problems do Torbay drivers see most?

Hills and queues expose the same handful of faults again and again. A slipping clutch struggles on gradients; judder shows up in slow-moving traffic; a high biting point makes hill starts awkward; and a burning smell tells you the friction material is overheating.

Pedal faults matter too: sinking, sticking, heaviness or a vague feel can mean hydraulic or cable trouble rather than worn friction parts.

• Slipping on hills
• Judder in queues
• Biting point too high or vague
• Burning smell
• Sinking or sticking pedal

What is in a new clutch kit?

A kit contains a pressure plate, a driven plate and a release bearing. These are fitted as a set because they wear together and because the gearbox has to come out to reach them. Doing it in pieces would mean paying for the same labour twice.

We also check the flywheel and the oil seals so that a leak does not contaminate the new parts.

When does the flywheel need replacing?

If the surface is scored, hot-spotted or distorted, or if it is a dual-mass flywheel with excessive play, rattle or noise, it should be replaced. A worn flywheel can make a new clutch judder from day one.

Some single-mass flywheels can be reused, and we will tell you which applies to your engine after inspection.

Is it a repair or a full replacement?

It depends on where the fault is. Hydraulic problems such as a failing slave or master cylinder, a leaking pipe or air in the system can often be repaired. Cable faults may need adjustment or a new cable.

If the friction disc, pressure plate or bearing is worn out, replacing the kit is the lasting fix. We cannot say which until we have seen the car.

Do you cover all of Torbay, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. Drivers from Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, St Marychurch, Ellacombe and elsewhere in Torbay come to Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

Call the quote line, tell us what the car is doing, and we can talk through the next step.