Clutches & Flywheels

How much torque does your clutch need to hold, and how should the pedal feel in traffic? This category brings together clutch kits, clutch discs, pressure plates, flywheels, release bearings and hydraulics for manual gearboxes, as well as flexplates for automatic transmissions. The parts are for you if you need to replace worn components or size the drivetrain for a project with more power.

What the clutch and flywheel do

The clutch transfers the engine's torque to the gearbox. The pressure plate clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel, and the release bearing releases the pressure when you press the pedal. Holding capacity depends on factors such as clamping force, friction material and disc diameter. Flywheel weight affects how quickly the engine changes revs: a lighter flywheel can give quicker response, but typically also more vibration and more demanding pull-aways. You can buy the parts together as clutch kits or separately, e.g. flywheels and clutch discs.

How to choose a clutch for your project

Start with the engine's torque and add a margin for any future tuning. Then choose based on how the car will be used:

• Disc: A sprung disc can dampen vibrations in street driving, while a rigid disc gives direct engagement but typically more noise and chatter. ACT, for example, offers both Sprung and Rigid Race Disc with 4 or 6 pads.
• Number of plates: Twin plate clutches spread the torque across two discs and can hold more at the same diameter, but pedal feel and noise depend on the design.
• Pedal effort: Higher clamping force can result in a heavier pedal. Check whether the hydraulics and release bearing suit the new pressure plate.

Fitting and compatibility

Clutch parts are specific to engine, gearbox and model year, so always match the part number to your car. Some kits require a specific flywheel or an adjustment of the release mechanism, which is stated in the product description. It is often worthwhile to replace the disc, pressure plate and release bearing at the same time and inspect the flywheel surface while the gearbox is out anyway. For actuation, we offer clutch hydraulics and slave cylinders. Many friction materials typically require bedding in before reaching full holding capacity.

Brands and other parts

In this category you will find brands such as SPEC, Action Clutch, Clutch Masters, ACT and EPI. For automatic transmissions there are flexplates, and for scooters and other vehicles with a variator there are variator weights, rollers and clutch springs.

Frequently asked questions

Should the flywheel be replaced together with the clutch?

Not always. If the surface is worn, cracked or heat-discoloured, the flywheel should be resurfaced or replaced. A dual-mass flywheel should also be checked for play. Some clutch kits require a specific flywheel, which is stated on the product.

What is the difference between a rigid and a sprung disc?

A sprung disc has springs in the hub that can dampen vibrations and judder when pulling away. A rigid disc lacks this damping, gives direct engagement and is typically used for motorsport, but can cause more noise and put more strain on the gearbox.

What can make a new clutch slip?

Typical causes are lack of bedding in, oil or grease on the friction surface, an incorrectly adjusted release mechanism or torque that exceeds the clutch's holding capacity. Also check that the hydraulics return fully so the pressure plate is not held partially released.