Clutch problems? Call us today
01604 715 515
Slipping clutch, clutch kit replacement, DMF, flywheel and hydraulic clutch specialists. We repair clutches on all makes and models — often the same day. Based on Bunting Road, NN2.
Alderley Autos are clutch repair specialists based on Bunting Road, Northampton. We replace clutch kits, flywheels, dual mass flywheels (DMF), release bearings and hydraulic clutch components on all makes and models of car and light van.
We repair and replace clutches every single week and have seen every type of clutch problem — from worn clutch plates through to seized callipers, failed DMFs and snapped cables. Whatever the fault, our experienced Northampton mechanics will diagnose it accurately and fix it properly the first time.
We source quality clutch kits for same-day or next-day delivery and can complete most clutch replacements within a working day. You always get a fixed price before we start — no surprises when you come to collect your car.
Don't see yours? Just call us.
Know what to listen and look out for. Catching a clutch problem early saves money.
Engine revs rise when you accelerate but your speed doesn't increase to match. Most noticeable uphill, when overtaking, or under load. This is the most common clutch fault we see — the clutch plate has worn and is no longer gripping the flywheel properly.
If you're struggling to select gears, gears are crunching, or the gearstick won't go into gear cleanly, the clutch may not be disengaging fully. This is often a hydraulic fault — master or slave cylinder — or a worn release bearing.
A grinding noise when pressing the clutch, or a rattle that disappears when you press the pedal, typically indicates a worn or failed release bearing. Left unchecked, this will eventually cause the bearing to seize and prevent gear changes entirely.
If the clutch bites very near the top of the pedal travel (high bite point) the clutch is wearing out. If it bites very low near the floor, the hydraulic system may need bleeding or there is a leak. Both need attention.
A burning smell similar to burning paper after driving, particularly after hill starts or heavy traffic, means the clutch is slipping excessively and overheating. This is a sign the clutch is close to complete failure.
A spongy clutch pedal usually indicates air in the hydraulic system. A stiff pedal can mean a worn cable, seized calliper or a fault with the clutch master cylinder. Both affect clutch operation and need diagnosing.
Every part of the clutch system, explained and repaired.
A clutch kit consists of the friction disc (clutch plate), pressure plate and release bearing — the three main wear items. We replace complete kits using quality OEM-specification parts to ensure the job is done properly and lasts.
Most common replacementThe flywheel is the rotating disc the clutch presses against. On solid flywheel vehicles, a worn or scored flywheel must be resurfaced or replaced at the same time as the clutch — otherwise the new clutch will fail prematurely.
Inspected with every clutch jobFitted to many modern diesel and turbocharged petrol cars, a DMF absorbs vibration from the engine. When a DMF wears out it causes rattling, juddering and rough gear changes. We are DMF specialists and carry out regular replacements.
Often needed on diesel vehiclesMany modern cars use a hydraulic system to operate the clutch. Faults include leaking master or slave cylinders, a failed concentric slave cylinder (CSC), or air in the hydraulic line. We diagnose and repair the full hydraulic system.
Older vehicles use a cable to operate the clutch. Cables stretch and eventually snap — often without much warning. If your clutch pedal feels loose, goes to the floor, or the car won't come out of gear, the cable may have failed or stretched.
The release bearing (or throwout bearing) disengages the clutch when you press the pedal. A failing release bearing typically produces a squealing or grinding noise that disappears when the pedal is released. It is always replaced as part of a clutch kit.
A Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) is fitted to the majority of modern diesel vehicles — including Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, BMW and Volkswagen — as well as many turbocharged petrol cars. It consists of two weighted flywheel masses connected by springs, which absorb the harsh vibration produced by the engine before it reaches the gearbox.
When a DMF starts to fail, the symptoms can feel similar to clutch problems: juddering when pulling away, a rattling noise particularly at idle, rough or notchy gear changes, and vibration through the gearstick or floor. Left too long, a worn DMF can damage the gearbox.
A worn DMF should always be replaced at the same time as the clutch. Here is why:
We always inspect the DMF when carrying out a clutch job and give you an honest assessment of its condition. If it's fine, we'll tell you. If it needs replacing, we'll quote both parts together so you can make an informed decision.
Ask About DMF ReplacementClutch life varies enormously by vehicle, driving style and road type. These are approximate guides.
Habits that shorten clutch life:
Straightforward, transparent and done properly the first time.
Describe the problem — what your car is doing, how long it's been happening. We'll advise whether it sounds like a clutch issue and get you booked in, often same day.
We carry out a road test and inspection to confirm the fault. If we need to remove the gearbox to inspect the clutch and flywheel properly, we'll do that and give you a full assessment.
You get a fixed price covering parts and labour before any work starts. If we find anything additional once we're in there, we call you and explain. Nothing is done without your approval.
Once the repair is complete we carry out a road test to confirm everything is working correctly before you collect. Most clutch replacements are completed the same day.
"Had my car towed to Alderley Autos after my clutch failed on the M1. Full clutch kit and flywheel replacement — back on the road in 6 hours. No hassle, spot-on price."
"Can't fault the guys here. Whenever I've had an issue they've been able to look after me and get it done quickly without costing me the earth. Highly recommend."
"Gary is always accommodating whatever the vehicle issue — from a small repair to an engine replacement. Highly recommended by many friends of mine too."
Customers come to us from across Northampton and the wider NN postcode area.
103 Bunting Road, Northampton NN2 6EE | 01604 715 515