Is it necessary to replace the entire clutch kit when changing the clutch disc?
3 Answers
Not necessarily. The clutch kit consists of the pressure plate, driven plate, and release bearing. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Pressure Plate: The clutch pressure plate is the most critical component in the clutch assembly, directly determining whether the clutch installation will shake, be heavy, or have a long service life. 2. Driven Plate: The quality of the clutch driven plate will determine the overall lifespan of the clutch and its effectiveness in vibration damping and noise reduction. The clutch uses a fifth-generation friction lining that is asbestos-free, lead-free, and free of volatile solvents, meeting Euro V environmental standards. The optimal hardness ensures high wear resistance and the best comfort. 3. Release Bearing: The clutch release bearing is a crucial part of the clutch release system, and its quality determines the separation efficiency of the clutch system and the wear rate on the pressure plate release fingers. The clutch release bearing is made of engineering plastic, significantly reducing its weight and wear on the release fingers.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for many years and have gained quite a bit of experience when it comes to replacing clutch discs. In the past, I only replaced the disc to save some money, but within a few months, the pressure plate would develop issues, causing clutch judder or slippage, which meant having to dismantle the transmission again—wasting time, money, and causing inconvenience. Since then, I've insisted on replacing the entire set, including the pressure plate and release bearing. This is because the clutch system works as an interconnected unit, and wear on one component affects the others. Especially after the car has run over a hundred thousand kilometers, not replacing the full set can easily lead to recurring problems. Spending a few hundred extra bucks can avoid multiple repairs and is also beneficial for the car's longevity. Remember, find a reliable repair shop to inspect it—they can assess whether a replacement is absolutely necessary.
Replacing just the clutch disc is possible, but it depends on your budget and the car's condition. If you're tight on money, changing only the disc might work for a while, but it's risky. The pressure plate could be warped or the release bearing might be close to failing, leading to vibrations or noise later. Personally, I think replacing the entire clutch kit (three components) is more cost-effective, as it saves on repeated labor costs for disassembly. The total expense ends up being similar. A friend of mine replaced only the disc, and within six months the bearing seized, costing double to fix. So unless your car has low mileage or the parts are in good condition, I recommend replacing everything to prevent future issues.
