Clutch Kits

What is a clutch kit?

A clutch kit is an assembly of mechanical components that transfer power from the engine to the drivetrain in a manual transmission car. There are several components that make up the key elements of a clutch kit of which some or all would need to be replaced in a repair.

These are:

• Clutch disc

• Clutch plate (also known as a pressure plate)

• Release bearing or central slave cylinder (also known as a concentric slave or CSC)

• Flywheel (dual mass flywheel or single mass)

What comes in a clutch kit?

Clutch kits are available in different packages depending on which individual parts you need to replace. Generally there are 4 ways you can buy these kits:

• 2 piece kits contain a disc and a plate

• 3 piece kits contain a disc, plate and either a release bearing or a central slave cylinder

• 4 piece kits contain a disc, plate, release bearing or CSC and flywheel (also known as a clutch and flywheel kit)

It is good practice to change the release bearing or central slave cylinder when completing a clutch replacement as these additional parts do not cost much more than kits without them and if they fail later the cost of replacement is incurred again.

How do I choose the correct clutch kit?

There are a number of things to consider when selecting the correct replacement clutch parts which largely depend on the manufacture of the vehicle. It is good to take note if these compatibility notes are listed next to a part that is shown as correct for your vehicle. These may include:

• Number of gears (i.e. 5 speed or 6 speed etc)

• Manual or semi automatic (fully automatic and CVT vehicles do not have a clutch

• Transmission type / transmission code

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of clutch kit should I choose?

There are number of manufacturers that you can choose. Some brands such as LuK, Sachs, and Valeo manufacture clutch kits for the original car brands however there are a good number of high quality aftermarket brands of the highest quality and meet or exceed the original specifications. Brands such as Blue Print, National and Borg & Beck offer long warranties which show they have confidence in their products.

How can I tell my clutch kit needs replacing?

We would always recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive an accurate diagnosis that your clutch needs replacement. Some of the symptoms of a failing clutch are:

• When pressing the clutch pedal it feels different, either more stiff or loose or has dropped to the floor

• The clutch makes a noise when the pedal is pressed

• It is much harder to change gear

• The vehicle does not accelerate even though the engine is revving higher

• The clutch does not engage properly after releasing the pedal