Clutch Kits

Without a means of disconnecting it from the driveline, the engine in a car or truck would stop running every time the driver braked to a stop. In a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the torque converter allows the engine to stay running when the vehicle is not moving, the clutch assembly does the job on vehicles with manual transmissions. But whereas the fluid coupling torque converter allows the engine to run independently of the driveline when stopped and the automatic transmission shifts gears without requiring any input from the driver, the clutch must be manually disengaged to disconnect the engine from the transmission when a vehicle comes to a stop, as well as each time the driver selects another gear. With such frequent use, the clutch assembly wears and must be periodically replaced, and since the wear isn’t confined to just one component, one of our clutch kits will provide the most cost effective and complete repair.

A basic clutch kit includes a clutch disc and clutch pressure plate. The release bearing, also known as a throw-out bearing, the pilot bearing or bushing, and a clutch alignment tool are incorporated in many kits, and some kits also include a flywheel. The flywheel bolts to the end of the crankshaft. It stores the engine’s rotational energy and smooths power delivery, the starter drive engages the teeth on the flywheel’s circumference to turn the crankshaft and reciprocating assembly when the ignition key is turned, and the face of the flywheel provides the contact surface for the clutch disc and the threaded holes for the clutch pressure plate cover mounting bolts. The clutch disc has friction material on both sides that grips the friction surfaces on the flywheel and pressure plate. It is captured between the flywheel and pressure plate and the splined opening at its center engages with the transmission input shaft splines. Most discs have springs adjacent to the center of the disc to dampen the shock to the transmission when the clutch engages. The input shaft is supported by a pilot bushing or bearing mounted in the end of the crankshaft or the center of the flywheel.

When the vehicle is brought to a stop or when shifting gears, the driver pushes down on the clutch pedal, and via hydraulic or mechanical linkage, forces the clutch release bearing against the pressure plate diaphragm spring. The spring pulls the pressure plate away from the clutch disc, thereby disconnecting the engine from the transmission. When accelerating from a stop or after shifting gears, the driver releases the clutch pedal while applying the accelerator pedal. As the pressure plate diaphragm spring is released the plate begins to apply pressure to the disc, forcing it against the flywheel. As the disc’s friction material grips the flywheel and pressure plate, it begins to turn and at full engagement spins at engine speed, applying engine power to the transmission input shaft and driveline.

The friction generated during this repeated disengagement and engagement creates heat and wear. The friction material on the clutch disc will wear away and the surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate can become scored and warped. The pressure plate can also exhibit hot spots and chatter marks, and hard spots and heat cracks can develop on the flywheel. The release bearing can also become worn and create wear on the pressure plate diaphragm fingers, and the diaphragm spring can weaken. When a clutch becomes worn or fails, it will either not disengage or not fully engage. Wear is a common cause of the latter condition; however, slippage can also be caused by incorrect adjustment or oil contamination due to an engine or transmission leak, and failure to engage can also be caused by bent or seized linkage. Clutch noise can be caused by a worn release bearing or worn pilot bearing. No matter what you’re working on, we have the replacement clutch kit that will restore proper clutch operation.

When repairing a worn clutch, at the minimum the clutch disc and pressure plate should be replaced, but the flywheel can often be resurfaced to restore the surface finish. However, most vehicle manufacturers specify that only a limited amount of material can be removed during machining, and if wear or cracks are still present after resurfacing the flywheel must be replaced. We offer replacement flywheels for all popular vehicles, and as stated earlier, some clutch kits include a new flywheel. Nevertheless, some flywheels, in particular DMFs (Dual Mass Flywheels), generally cannot be resurfaced.

The two halves of a DMF are separated by springs, which absorb engine vibration. They were initially developed to reduce noise and vibration and improve shifting operation on diesel engine trucks, but now they are also used on many passenger cars. Due to their complexity, DMF flywheels are much more expensive to replace than conventional solid mass flywheels. If you’re looking for a lower cost alternative to purchasing a new DMF, we offer flywheel conversion kits. The clutch components in these kits are engineered to work with solid mass flywheels installed in place of the original DMF, to maintain driving comfort, clutch operation and shifting performance. These kits are available with and without the solid mass flywheel, enabling future clutch replacement on vehicles that have already been converted and a new flywheel is not needed.

When there’s a ton of horsepower under the hood of your car or truck, you must upgrade your transmission so that it can meet the extreme demands of your high-performance engine. A high-performance clutch kit is what you need to enjoy the smooth engagement and easy clutch pedal effort when hitting the highway or pushing the limits of your vehicle at the racetrack. Performance enthusiasts know that competition clutches just can’t come close to OEM. They’re specially built to handle harsh, unforgiving conditions your vehicle is subjected to during spirited driving or racing. On our digital shelves, we showcase a wide range of performance clutch kits that include everything needed to make your vehicle perform at its maximum and tackle any challenge with ease. They typically come with a clutch disc, pressure plate and/or flywheel, and bearings built to meet or exceed the highest quality standards. Our extensive selection includes clutches for a wide range of vehicles and from many different manufacturers, so you’ll find the solution that will work great for you. With one of the transmission clutch kits we carry, you will enjoy the safest and the smoothest rides of your life.