Clutch repairs
Slipping, dragging or just heavy. Each one points somewhere different.
Service One Automotive repairs and replaces clutches at Factory 9, 266 Osborne Avenue, Clayton South VIC 3169. We diagnose whether the problem is the clutch itself, the hydraulics operating it, or the release bearing, before the gearbox comes out. Ring 0434 949 091. Please call to confirm current opening hours.
Slipping is not the same as dragging
Slipping is when the engine revs climb but the car does not gain speed to match. Easiest to prove in a high gear at low speed on a hill. That is the friction material worn out or contaminated, and it means the clutch is coming out.
Dragging is the opposite. The clutch will not fully release, so gears grind going in and reverse crunches even with the pedal flat to the floor. That is often hydraulic rather than mechanical, and a master or slave cylinder is a far smaller bill than a clutch kit.
Which is why we check before we quote.
While the gearbox is out
Getting to a clutch is most of the labour. Once the gearbox is off, the rear main seal, the spigot bearing, the release bearing and the flywheel are all sitting there exposed.
Replacing a five dollar seal at that moment costs almost nothing. Replacing it six months later costs the whole job again. We will tell you what we can see and let you decide.
Flywheels
Many modern cars run a dual mass flywheel, which has springs inside it to smooth out the engine. They wear, and a worn one rattles at idle and shudders as you take off.
They are not cheap, and they are the part that turns a clutch job into a bigger conversation. If yours needs one you will hear about it before we start, not halfway through.
Questions about clutch repairs
How long does a clutch replacement take?
It depends heavily on the car. Some are a day, some are considerably more because the subframe or the engine mounts have to come out to get the gearbox clear. Ring with the make, model and year.
Can a clutch be adjusted instead of replaced?
On older cable operated clutches, sometimes. Most modern hydraulic clutches are self adjusting, so a pedal that feels wrong on one of those is telling you about a fault rather than about adjustment.
Is my car automatic or does it have a clutch?
Some automatics have clutches too. Dual clutch transmissions are automatic to drive but have clutch packs inside that wear. If you are not sure what you have, tell us the make and model.
Book clutch repairs
Six short steps, or ring the workshop.
Open weekends by booking only, at the same rates. The booking has to be confirmed before the day, so ring or text ahead.