What is included in the clutch kit?

The clutch is the part of the car that helps shift gears smoothly, providing a smooth and uninterrupted connection between the engine and the manual transmission shaft.

What exactly does the clutch do?

To put it simply, what the clutch does is separate the engine from the wheels, which allows you to shift gears while you're moving.

What does a clutch consist of?

This mechanism is an integrated system consisting of several main parts located between the flywheel and the input shaft of the transmission. The elements of which it consists are interconnected, which means that when it is necessary to replace any of the elements, it is advisable to replace them all together in the form of a set.

What is included in the clutch kit?

A standard clutch kit consists of three main elements - a pressure plate, a release (release bearing) and a drive plate.

Pressure plate

The role of this disc is to ensure reliable contact between the flywheel and the drive disc. This disk is attached to the flywheel and rotates with it, exerting pressure on the drive disk.

Drive disc

This drive has connectivity features. It is attached to the flywheel on one side and to the pressure plate (disk) on the other side. There is friction material on both sides of the drive disc, which is why it is also called friction.

Release bearing

The bearing is connected to the clutch pedal through a fork and a drive system (mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic). When you press the pedal, it moves along the axis of the input shaft of the transmission to the clutch housing (basket), presses the diaphragm spring and, in turn, relieves the pressure of the drive disk. Modern release bearings are spherical, mechanical or hydraulic.

How do all components work together?

Let's assume that at this very moment you get in the car and hit the road. When you want to change gear, you (as it should) press the pedal to do this. By clicking on it, you actually push the push fork, which, in turn, pushes the release bearing, pushing it to the membrane spring (diaphragm).

The spring in turn pulls the pressure plate. After pulling, the pressure plate is disconnected from the drive disk, and friction between the drive disk and the flywheel stops. This interrupts the rotation, and as soon as it stops, you can easily shift gears when the car is in motion.

And vice versa ... When the clutch is actuated, the pressure plate exerts a constant torque on the drive disc. Since the pressure plate is attached to the flywheel, which, in turn, is attached to the car engine, the drive (ferro) disc also rotates so that it can transmit rotational force to the gearbox.

When is the clutch replaced?

The elements that make up the clutch are subjected to severe stresses, so they wear out relatively quickly. As a rule, there is no specific time at which it is necessary to replace the clutch, and when necessary, it depends to a very large extent on the driving style. Modern clutches can work without problems even after a mileage of 100 km, but can also show signs of wear after a mileage of 000 km.

How long you enjoy a perfectly functioning clutch depends on whether you regularly inspect it, whether you service it properly and, first of all, how you use it. If your driving style is aggressive, if you constantly load the clutch, it is logical that it wears out faster and you get into a situation, it needs to be replaced because it just does not work.

Signs indicating that grip needs attention
If there are any problems with any of the clutch elements, they are easy to notice, as their symptoms are fairly obvious and cannot be missed. Here are some of the most common symptoms of transmission problems:

The pedal is soft when pressed

Usually, when the pedal is depressed, it exerts a slight pressure (it is harder). However, if there is a problem, then the pedal becomes extremely soft.

glide

Slippage is easiest to notice when driving uphill. If the pedal is depressed at this moment, but instead of engaging the clutch, the car’s revolutions only increase without affecting its speed, which means that the clutch slips and a problem occurs. Sliding occurs most often due to wear of the friction material attached to the drive disk. Since the purpose of this material is to grip the plate, it logically wears out the fastest. And when this happens, the clutch cannot properly transmit the engine torque to the gearbox and wheels, and this leads to more and more slipping.

Gear shifting (gears) with effort

If the gearbox is in perfect condition, the gear changes smoothly and easily. However, if there is a problem, then more effort is needed to switch.

Sticking

A "sticky" clutch is a condition in which the clutch does not release properly when the pedal is depressed. This is because the shaft continues to rotate, which prevents gear changes.

Noise

If you hear metallic noise when trying to shift gears, this also indicates a problem with the item in the gearbox.

The pedal stays on the floor

When the clutch is in order, after depressing the pedal, it returns to its original position as soon as the gear changes. If this does not happen and after pressing it remains on the floor, this is a sign that there is a serious problem with one of the clutch elements.

Hard Connector

This problem is easy to notice, because when you press the pedal, it is quite tough, and you will have to make a significant effort to press it.

Why do experts recommend buying a clutch kit when changing?

If you decide to replace only one of the clutch components, no one will stop you. You can do this if you want, but this approach is neither appropriate nor expensive. Replacing only one or two components, you will not only not save, but also significantly improve the grip characteristics. Why?

Since, as we mentioned at the beginning, the clutch is an integrated system, the elements of which are connected as soon as one of the elements wears out, which means that if not at the same time, then very soon after it the other elements will wear out as well.

That is why all manufacturers offer a set of couplings, which include: pressure plate, drive plate and release bearing. Thus, the entire system can be easily replaced, and all its elements will work correctly.

Manufacturers also offer a flywheel in one of the clutch kits. It is not part of the clutch, but since it is connected to it, it is recommended that you also replace it with a new one.

Typically, clutch kits also include bearings, springs, and centering tools.

Can I change the clutch at home?

The truth is that replacing a clutch kit yourself is not an easy task. To be able to do this, you must have not only very good technical knowledge, but also mechanical skills. Removing a worn clutch with a new kit is time consuming and requires a lot of tools.

Therefore, the advice of experts is not to not try to do it yourself, but to find a reliable mechanic or service center where they will disassemble and assemble the clutch in accordance with all the rules.