Clutch Replacement
Clutch Repairs in Worcester – CTS Auto Centre
- Is your vehicle not shifting the gears properly anymore or is there a burning smell?
- Is your vehicle “juddering” when the car starts moving?
- Is there any “crunching” noise when you change the gears?
- Does the engine’s RPM increase but the car’s speed does not?
- These are just a few signs that your vehicle’s clutch is worn.
That means it’s time to get your vehicle’s clutch checked by your CTS Auto Centre team.
Please don’t worry. A clutch is a wear part – a very tough one that usually does not need replacing very often.
You will certainly receive an accurate estimate from us, and you will find our prices very reasonable.
Our friendly team will be happy to explain what we are doing and which spare parts we are using.
We have put a little bit of information together for you on this page. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
This is how a clutch works:
The vehicle’s clutch is actuated via the clutch pedal and the release system and provides a separable connection of the power transmission between the engine and the transmission. This allows it to start and change gears.
Function
The clutch is a separable connection of the power transmission between the engine and the transmission. This makes it possible to start and change the gears.
The clutch is actuated via the clutch pedal and the release system. In the un-actuated state, the clutch disc is pressed by the plate spring in the automatic clutch via the pressure-plate against the so called fly wheel. This is a frictional connection, and the engine torque is transmitted to the transmission.
If the driver actuates the release system via the clutch-pedal, the pressure plate is lifted against the spring force of the clutch disc. As a result, the non-positive connection is interrupted, and the engine torque is not transmitted to the transmission.
CLUTCH TYPES
The wear of the clutch disc increases the pedal force for actuating the clutch. Self-adjusting, so-called "SAC clutches" (Self Adjusting Clutch) are therefore installed in modern passenger cars. The associated automatic wear adjustment in the clutch pressure plate ensures that the pedal forces remain the same over the entire life of the clutch.
Another coupling type is the double clutch. This unites two oil-running multi-disc, or two dry disc spring clutches in one module. It is installed in dual-clutch transmissions. One clutch is used for the even gears and one for the odd ones. This allows a quick gear change without interruption of traction.
What to avoid
The life of the clutch is tough. Fast starts with spinning or squealing tyres as well as starting operations with a sliding coupling have a negative impact on the clutch.Also, in case of traffic jams, the foot should be kept off the clutch pedal during a longer standstill so as not to burden the release system unnecessarily.
If you keep this in mind, your vehicle’s clutch will last much longer.
In the dual-clutch transmission and other automated transmissions, an electro-hydraulic clutch operation avoids any driver-side malformation and thus unnecessary wear.To ensure a long service life of the clutch system, the hydraulic fluid of the clutch release system should be renewed at regular intervals specified by the manufacturer.
Safety
The demands on the clutch have been steadily increasing due to the growing traffic. Motorists want a comfortable and safe clutch in all seasons and all weather conditions. Operations such as short traffic light phases, hill climbs, stop-and-go traffic and parking operations require a safe and easy-to-operate clutch system to meter or interrupt the power flow at all times safely.
For dual-clutch transmissions and other automated transmissions, a manual speed change is not necessary. The gears are automatically changed at the optimal moment. The driver can thus focus better on the traffic and drive more comfortable.
But even automatic transmissions are not entirely maintenance free and need to be checked from time to time.
Environmental Protection
Today's clutch linings are made from environmentally friendly, non-asthmatic materials. The remaining parts of the coupling system consist mainly of metal and are recycled after use. This saves resources and protects the environment. The hydraulic fluid generated during maintenance work is recyclable and will be reused after processing.
