In this guide, we are going to be taking you through everything that you need to know when it comes to clutch replacement.

Find out more about what your clutch does below, and what symptoms to look out for if you think yours might be due for replacement.

Who is this clutch replacement guide aimed at?

This guide is aimed at the everyday driver as well as car enthusiasts who have limited to no mechanical know-how.

What does a clutch do?

The purpose of a clutch is to disengage the engine from the wheels, allowing you to change gear and come to a complete stop while the engine is still running.

The clutch is made up three main components – the clutch plate, pressure plate and flywheel. When the clutch is engaged (foot off the pedal), the springs in the clutch press these three parts together so that the engine and the transmission are connected and spinning at the same speed. When you press your foot on down on the clutch pedal, however, the springs pull the pressure plate away from the clutch plate, so that the flywheel and pressure plate spin at a different rate, allowing you to smoothly change gears.

Why should you replace a worn clutch?

Clutch replacement can be an expensive and tedious job but is it necessary? Put briefly yes.

The clutch is a mighty important component for your vehicle – without it, you’d be unable to change between gears. Similar to many of your car’s parts, your clutch will be subject to wear and tear over time.

How long is a clutch supposed to last?

How long’s a piece of string?! There are many factors that contribute to how long your clutch is likely to last. OEM (Original Engine Manufacturer) Clutches are designed to last anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles or maybe even more, but this depends on the quality of your car, how well you maintain it and your driving style. For example, if you do a lot of stop-start city driving, your clutch is likely to wear out sooner as you’ll be shifting between lower gears more frequently.

Many car enthusiasts increase the performance of their vehicle via a process known as “remapping”. Whilst remapping can significantly increase the overall performance of your vehicle, it can put the stock clutch under extra pressure. This will accelerate the processes of it wearing a lot quicker.

What to look out for

If you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms, you may need a clutch replacement:

• Spongy, sticking, vibrating or lose clutch pedal when pressed
• Squeaking or grumbling noise when pressed
• Ability to rev the engine, but poor acceleration
• Difficulty shifting gear
• ‘Slipping’ clutch, causing a momentary loss of acceleration.

Who should install a new clutch?

Given that this guide is for beginners, we strongly recommend finding a competent mechanic to carry out your clutch replacement. Replacing the clutch yourself in most cases will void any warranty that comes with a new clutch.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of companies that are authorised by RTS Europe to carry out our clutch installations: RTS Distributors