Clutch Kits

Clutch kits are a collection of replacement parts for your vehicle’s manual transmission, including items such as the clutch disc, pressure plate and clutch release bearings. 

Because the vehicle’s transmission needs to be removed to replace any parts of your clutch, it can be more efficient and cost effective to replace the entire clutch with the items in a clutch kit. Then you know each part included in your clutch is as new as one another.

Clutch kits contain everything you need to replace each and every part of your clutch to get it working in tip top condition again. 

Here’s a breakdown of what’s generally included in a clutch kit.

• Clutch Disc - Also known as a ‘friction plate’, the clutch disc is a crucial component in manual transmissions. Located between the engine’s flywheel and the pressure plate, it uses friction to transmit torque ensuring the clutch can change gears effectively.
• Pressure Plate - This heavy, spring loaded component locks the clutch disc against the engine’s flywheel to effectively transfer the engine’s power to the gearbox.
• Flywheel - Whilst not always included, the flywheel is connected to the engine’s crankshaft which connects to the vehicle’s clutch. It’s designed to store energy to keep the vehicle moving even when you release your foot from the accelerator.
• Clutch Release Bearings - These bearings help you to smoothly press the clutch pedal, change gears and then re-engage the engine with the transmission once you’ve selected your gear.
• Pilot Bearing - This bearing is pressed into the end of an engine’s crankshaft to help support and centre the transmission’s input shaft which ensures a smooth power transfer and reduces vibration.

If you’d like to discuss any of these clutch parts further with us to understand further what parts may be required to fix your clutch issues, our expert team is always on hand to help. 

Yes, clutch kits come with Release bearings as they’re a vital component to ensure your vehicle’s clutch works correctly and operates smoothly. However Some performance clutch kits do not come complete with the release bearing as they are designed to work with the stock/genuine unit. Check out our answer above to see what else is generally included in a clutch kit too. 

A clutch kit can generally last around 60,000 to 100,000 miles but this mileage can vary greatly depending on your driving style, where you drive and the type of vehicle you have too. 

These factors are the biggest ones that affect your clutch’s lifespan. 

• Driving Habits - Rapid acceleration, riding the clutch (keeping your foot on the clutch pedal whilst driving) and slipping the clutch (revving the engine high before engaging the clutch) all wear your clutch out quicker.
• Frequent Stops - Driving in the city more often than not will wear your clutch out quicker than if you predominantly drove on the motorway as frequent stopping and starting can contribute to clutch wear.
• Vehicle Type - Vehicles that are heavier or are used to tow a lot will understandably put more strain on the clutch.
• Environment - The climate you live in can also have an affect as hot climates can increase wear.
• Parts Quality - The quality of the clutch parts themselves can also have a major effect with lower quality clutch kits generally not lasting as long as more premium options.

By doing your best to reduce these factors as much as possible where you can, you’ll help to extend the lifespan of the clutch on your vehicle. 

Whilst the time it takes to replace your clutch kit can vary depending on the expertise of the person doing it, how many elements need repairing, the transmission type and even the type of vehicle. Replacing a clutch kit takes  anywhere from 3 to 12 hours, but this could be extended if the mechanic runs into any problems or is more inexperienced. 

Elements That Increase The Time

• Vehicle Make & Model - How accessible the transmission and thus clutch are varies greatly between different models, so this can speed up or elongate the process.
• Mechanic’s Experience - How experienced the mechanic who’s changing or repairing your clutch is will also affect the time it takes.
• Transmission Type - The transmission type can make a difference too as repairing a clutch in a rear-wheel drive vehicle is easier and quicker than in its front-wheel drive equivalent. This is due to different access points.
• Unforeseen Issues - The process could be made longer If there are any additional repairs required during the process due to discovering that other components are damaged.

As you can see, there’s plenty of variables that can speed up or extend the process, but generally the 3 to 8 hour mark will be achieved more often than not. 

There’s a fair few ‘tell-tale’ signs that your clutch is going, each of which require further investigation to ensure the safety of you and your vehicle. 

• Difficulty Shifting Gears - If it starts to become more difficult to change gears with them feeling stuck or making a grinding noise.
• Slipping Clutch - If your engine’s RPM’s are going up but the vehicle isn’t accelerating as it should in that situation, it’s worth looking into. This can also feel like a momentary loss of power.
• Strange Noises - If you hear squelching, grumbling or even chirping noises when you press down or release your clutch it needs looking at.
• Higher Biting Point - If you notice that the biting point of your clutch has changed and engages much higher as you lift your foot off the pedal something’s not right.
• Lower Biting Point - if the biting point is lower this could indicate a hydraulic issue with the clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder or pressure line.
• Burning Smell - if you can smell a strong, acrid smell, it could well be coming from the clutch overheating.
• Vehicle Judder/Vibration - If the vehicle itself judders or vibrates when it starts moving or when changing gears.

Keep an eye out for one or more of these signs as they could indicate it’s time to get your clutch checked by a professional.