Clutch and Gearbox

Balance Motor Works are happy to change out clutches and also repair gearboxes. So if you are Sussex based and your gears aren’t behaving properly – get in touch!

We use a specialist for gearbox rebuilds, they aren’t cheap, but they do an excellent job, and if, for some reason, the gearbox is beyond repair, there is no charge for the rebuild.

Here’s a little FIAT Panda 100HP which has come in for a Gearbox rebuild – the gearbox is off the car and she’s waiting to be reunited with her transmission.

FIAT Panda 100HP
Panda 100HP
Reconditioned and rebuilt gearbox 100HP
Here’s the rebuilt gearbox ready to be refitted to the car, this one needed 3rd gear synchro, 3rd and 4th gear hubs and new bearings

Panda 100HP Clutch Fitted
Panda 100HP New 3 Piece Clutch in place. Aligning the clutch plate ensures the gearbox goes back on easily

Using-the-correct-gearbox-oil
Using the correct Gearbox oil is important. We’ve noticed a baulky synchromesh action on these 100HPs without the correct manufacturer specific oil, although in most cases we find the Comma range of GL4 and GL5 lubricants are excellent.

adding the oil to the gearbox syringe
We use a giant oil syringe to add the oil to the box – much easier than adding via the bottles built in nozzle

On modern cars the clutch system is more complex usually having a dual mass flywheel such as the Abarth 500 shown below – as you can see this dual mass flywheel is toast! This car is making 280HP and that has meant the original clutch and flywheel have now overheated badly – you can see the edges of the flywheel friction surface are breaking away in small pieces!

Abarth 500 dual mass flywheel
ABARTH 500 Dual Mass flywheel that has been to hell and back !

Abarth 500 Friction Plate
ABARTH 500 Friction Plate

Whenever you complete any major work like this, a road test is most important to make sure all is well. It’s much better to ensure the car is correct before you let it go than have the customer return later.

Job done – all that’s left is for the customer to collect his car and hopefully send some kind words for us to post here later.