Clutch Repair and Services

If you have a manual transission and the engine is reving but the vehicle is not accelerating as fast, or not at all, it may be time for a clutch replacement. Call today to have your vehicle inspected, professionally repaired, and back on the road!

The majority of people assume that the purpose of the clutch is just to put the car in neutral gear. However, there's more to that, because it disengages the transmission from the drivetrain.

LEARN ABOUT THE CLUTCH:

The clutch is a mechanical device that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly. In a manual transmission vehicle, the clutch system is composed of three main parts: the clutch disc, the pressure plate, and the flywheel.

Here’s how it works:

1. Engaging the Clutch: When the driver presses down on the clutch pedal, a hydraulic or cable system pulls the release bearing, which disengages the pressure plate. This action separates the clutch disc from the flywheel, disconnecting the engine's power from the transmission and stopping the flow of power to the wheels. This disconnection allows the driver to shift gears without grinding.

2. Releasing the Clutch: When the driver releases the clutch pedal, the pressure plate pushes the clutch disc back against the spinning flywheel. This re-engages the connection between the engine and transmission, allowing power to transfer smoothly to the wheels and move the vehicle forward.

3. Smooth Gear Changes: During this process, the clutch allows for smooth gear changes by temporarily disconnecting the engine from the transmission, which would otherwise cause the gears to grind due to their differing speeds.

The friction material on the clutch disc provides grip and controls how smoothly the power is transferred. Over time, this material can wear down, leading to clutch slippage, where the disc can’t fully engage the flywheel, often requiring replacement.