Clutch

The tasks of the clutch and the gearbox in the car

The clutch and transmission are important components in a car that work together to transfer the power of the engine to the wheels and regulate the speed of the car. The job of the clutch is to disconnect and connect the car's drive when the driver presses the clutch. This allows the driver to start the engine and get the car moving by engaging the clutch, and also to stop the car by disengaging the clutch.

The gearbox is used to reduce the speed of the engine and at the same time increase the power to the wheels to get the car moving and accelerating. There are also different gears in the transmission that allow the driver to adjust the speed of the car by changing gear. Together, the clutch and transmission work to separate and connect the car's drive and regulate the car's speed, allowing the car to be controlled.

This is how you recognise a defect in the clutch or gearbox

There are some signs that may indicate a defect in the clutch or transmission. Some possible symptoms are:

• Difficulty shifting gears: If it is difficult to change gear or the gears seem to jam, this may indicate a problem with the clutch or transmission.
• Clutch slippage: If the clutch works worse than normal and the car "slips" when you change gear, this may indicate a problem with the clutch.
• Unusual noises: Grating: squeaking or rattling when changing gears could indicate a defect in the clutch or transmission.
• Poor performance: If the car has difficulty getting moving or maintaining speed, this could indicate a problem with the clutch or transmission.

It is important to identify and fix such problems early, as they can lead to major damage and require expensive repairs if ignored. If you suspect that there is a problem with the clutch or transmission, you should have the car checked by a mechanic.

These parts belong to the structure of a car clutch

The structure of a car coupling usually includes the following components:

• A guide bearing is a bearing that is used to hold a moving part (in this case a clutch basket) in a defined position while allowing low-friction movement. In a clutch, the guide bearing is used to hold and guide the clutch basket in position as it rotates. It is important that the guide bearing is in good condition, as a defective or worn guide bearing can cause unwanted movement of the clutch basket and thus affect the clutch.
• A clutch release bearing is a bearing used to set the clutch basket in motion when the clutch is operated. It is an important part of the clutch as it helps to operate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. If the clutch release bearing is defective or worn, this can cause the clutch not to work properly and the car may not be able to shift properly.
• A centre release is a mechanical lever used to set the clutch basket in motion when the clutch is operated. It is an important part of the clutch as it helps to operate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. The central release is usually actuated by the clutch operating mechanism (e.g. a pedal or lever) and then moves to operate the clutch basket. If the central releaser is defective or worn, this can cause the clutch not to work properly and the car may not be able to shift properly. A defective central release should therefore be replaced by a mechanic as soon as possible.
• The clutch master cylinder is a cylinder used to set the clutch facing in motion when the clutch is operated. It is an important part of the clutch as it helps to actuate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. The clutch master cylinder is usually actuated by the clutch operating mechanism (e.g. a pedal or lever) and then moves to operate the clutch basket. If the clutch master cylinder is defective or worn, this can cause the clutch not to work properly and the car may not be able to shift properly.
• The clutch slave cylinder is a cylinder used to set the clutch facing in motion when the clutch is operated. It is an important part of the clutch as it helps to actuate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. The clutch slave cylinder is usually actuated by the clutch operating mechanism (e.g. a pedal or lever) and then moves to operate the clutch basket. If the clutch slave cylinder is defective or worn, this can cause the clutch not to work properly and the car may not be able to shift properly.
• The clutch pressure plate is a disc used to set the clutch facing in motion when the clutch is operated. It is located inside the clutch basket and is pressed against another disc (the clutch release plate) to actuate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. The clutch pressure plate is usually actuated by the clutch master cylinder, which is operated by the clutch actuating mechanism (e.g. a pedal or lever). If the clutch pressure plate is defective or worn, this may cause the clutch not to function properly.
• The clutch disc is a disc used to set the clutch facing in motion when the clutch is operated. It is located inside the clutch basket and is pressed against another disc (the clutch pressure plate) to operate the clutch facing and disconnect the engine from the transmission. The clutch disc is also called the clutch release plate.

The advantage of a clutch kit when repairing the clutch

A clutch kit is a set of spare parts used to repair or maintain a clutch. A clutch kit usually includes all the important components of the clutch, such as the clutch basket, the clutch facing, the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pressure plate. A clutch kit offers several advantages when used to repair or maintain a clutch:

• Time saving: A clutch kit contains all the important spare parts needed to repair or maintain the clutch. This means that you do not have to order individual parts separately, but receive everything at once. This can save time and effort.
• Easy installation: A clutch kit is designed to be easy to install. Most clutch kits include instructions and all necessary tools to facilitate repair or maintenance.
• Cost saving: Compared to buying the spare parts individually, buying a clutch kit can usually be cheaper.
• Good quality: A good quality clutch kit can help ensure that the clutch is durable and reliable. It is important to buy a clutch kit from a trusted manufacturer to ensure that the spare parts used are of good quality.

Can I change the clutch on my car myself?

It is possible to change the clutch on a car yourself, but it is a demanding task that requires special clutch tools and skills. You should only attempt to change the clutch yourself if you have the necessary skills and experience and feel confident to do the job.

If you want to change the clutch yourself, it is advisable to get a repair manual for your car as it contains detailed instructions on how the work should be done. You will also need special tools such as a jack, a clutch centring tool and a pressure plate.
It is important to note that the clutch has an important safety function in a car and incorrect installation or repair can lead to serious consequences. If you are unsure whether you can do the work yourself, you should contact a professional mechanic.

These are the factors you should look for when buying a car clutch

If you want to buy a clutch for your car, you should consider a few factors to make sure you buy the right clutch. Here are some things you should look out for:

• Fit accuracy: Make sure the clutch is suitable for your specific car model and year. The clutch is usually identified by the manufacturer's number or part number shown in your car's maintenance records.
• Performance: Consider the performance and range of use of your car. For example, if you have a performance car, you may need a heavy-duty clutch that can withstand the higher loads.
• Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the clutch. There are many cheap couplings on the market that may not last as long or work as well as a high quality coupling.
• Brand: Choose a trusted brand that has a good reputation and thoroughly tests its products.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you buy the right clutch for your car. If you are unsure which clutch is best for your car, it is recommended that you consult a professional mechanic or a trusted parts source.

Which clutch manufacturers are there and what are the differences?

There are many different clutch manufacturers on the market, offering clutches for a wide range of car models and makes. Some well-known manufacturers are:

• Sachs is a German manufacturer that offers high-quality clutches for a wide range of car models. Sachs clutches are known for their first-class performance and can withstand high loads. The clutches are usually easy to install and can be replaced by an experienced mechanic without much effort. Go to our Sachs clutch offers.
• Valeo is a French manufacturer that offers clutches for a wide range of car models. Valeo uses advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure that its clutches are precision made and work perfectly together. See our Valeo clutch offers.
• LuK is a German manufacturer that offers clutches for a wide range of car models. LuK stands for high-quality materials and precise manufacturing with state-of-the-art production technologies. LuK uses high quality materials for its clutches to ensure that its clutches are durable and reliable. Go to our LuK clutch offers.
• AIC is a German manufacturer that offers clutches for a wide range of car models and brands. The company specialises in high quality clutches and produces both standard and high performance clutches. AIC clutches are known for their quality and performance and are appreciated by many car enthusiasts and mechanics. Go to our AIC clutch offers.
• FEBI BILSTEIN is a German manufacturer of car parts that also offers clutches. The company is known for its high-quality products and offers clutches for a wide range of car models and brands. FEBI BILSTEIN clutches are known for their first-class performance and can withstand high loads. Go to our FEBI BILSTEIN clutch offers.
• HERTH+BUSS JAKOPARTS is a German company that offers a wide range of car parts, including clutches. The company is known for its high-quality products and offers clutches for a wide range of car models and brands. See our HERTH+BUSS JAKOPARTS clutch offers.