Clutch Replacement in London

How Does a Car's Clutch Work?

The clutch is perhaps the most important part of a car’s transmission system. It comprises two metal plates which are responsible for maintaining a connection between the engine and the gearbox. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal the plates come apart, separating the engine from the drive wheels, allowing you to change gear. Bringing the pedal back up re-engages the plates which in turn connect the engine to the drive wheels.

Excessive noise and vibration from the clutch area can be caused by a bad release bearing or pilot bearing. If this is the case in your car, the garage will take apart the clutch assembly in order to replace the bearings.

If the clutch is grabbing and shuddering as it’s engaged, the garage may need to take a look at the flywheel as well. Many modern vehicles are fitted with a dual mass flywheel; a rotating mechanical device which can break down. There’s no easy way for garages to check for this without disassembling the clutch and inspecting the pressure plate and flywheel. If the clutch pedal is giving little or no resistance, the problem could be a seal leak in the master or slave cylinder.

Driving in London

London is the most densely populated region in the UK, and so it presents challenges for motorists who need to get around the capital fast. On average, drivers in the London commute zone waste an extraordinary 82 hours a year to traffic congestion. Fifteen of the 25 most congested roads in the country are in London: Bedford Road in Clapham has been rated the worst, with Uxbridge Road in Southall and South Ealing and Eversholt Street in Camden also in the top 10.