Clutch Replacement – Stanway

If your engine revs rise but the car doesn’t speed up to match, the clutch is probably slipping and will need replacing soon.

All Trans Autos repair and replace clutches on cars and vans of most makes, including dual mass flywheels and the hydraulic parts that operate the clutch.

How to tell your clutch is wearing out

A clutch wears gradually, so the signs can creep up on you. Look out for:

• revs climbing without the matching acceleration, especially uphill or in higher gears
• a biting point that’s much higher than it used to be
• juddering as you pull away
• grinding or difficulty getting into gear
• a heavy or sticky pedal, or one that stays down
• a burning smell after a hill start or heavy traffic

A rattle at idle that changes or disappears when you press the pedal can also point to the release bearing or flywheel.

What the clutch actually does

The clutch connects the engine to the gearbox. When you press the pedal, it separates them so you can change gear, and when you lift your foot, the friction plate clamps back onto the flywheel to send drive to the wheels. Over time that friction material wears thin, and the clutch starts to slip.

Dual mass flywheels

Many diesel vehicles and some petrol models use a dual mass flywheel, which absorbs engine vibration. These wear too, and a failing one can cause rattling at idle, vibration through the pedal, or a knock when you switch off the engine.

Because the gearbox has to come out to reach either part, we inspect the flywheel whenever we replace a clutch. If it’s worn, we’ll show you photos and explain the options, so you can decide whether to replace both in one go and avoid paying for the same labour twice.

How we replace a clutch

1. We confirm the fault with a road test and inspection.
2. The gearbox is removed to reach the clutch.
3. We fit a new clutch kit, usually a friction plate, pressure plate, and release bearing.
4. The flywheel and hydraulic system are checked, and parts such as the concentric slave cylinder are replaced if needed.
5. Everything is refitted, adjusted, and road tested.

What wears a clutch faster

Resting your foot on the pedal, holding the car on the clutch at junctions, and lots of stop-start town driving all shorten its life. Towing and carrying heavy loads do the same, which is why vans and motorhomes often need clutch work sooner.

Parts and guarantees

We use clutch kits of original equipment quality, or genuine parts where your vehicle needs them. Parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty, and our labour is guaranteed for 12 months.