Drivers in current times prefer automatic transmissions; however, there are still some that opt for manual transmissions. The clutch operation gives drivers more control while driving. Many drivers would argue that taking control of gears gives them a more enhanced driving experience. Some of the best clutch brands in help in this case.
If you are the same, you would want to choose a clutch brand that gives you long-lasting performance. That is why we have listed the best clutch brands that you could look into. These brands are some of the top ones in the market and offer an exceptional product range.
Look into the best clutch brands and find the one most suitable for you.
Top 5 Clutch Brands
1. ACT
Pros
- Available for regular and high-performance cars
- It comes with a one year warranty
- Easily available replacement part
Cons
- Expensive
- Lack of product range for regular used cars
When you are looking for a clutch brand that is suitable for high-performance vehicles, ACT is the name that will come up. In a market that offers numerous options, ACT has held its place with the quality of its clutches. The brand offers a wide range of product lines, all of them good in performance and quality.
The clutches offered are ACT is usually for competition vehicles. However, you might also find options that suitable for general everyday use cars. Since the company mainly focuses on high-performance clutches, the standard clutches are also better than its competitors. No matter which type of vehicle you drive, you may find a suitable option from ACT.
A great thing about ACT clutches is that it is tested very rigorously. That is why you will not find faults in most of their products. They are also individually balanced so that any issues with the products are caught in the testing stage itself. This makes ACT a much-recommended brand by professional drivers.
ACT spends a lot of time and money to build its products. This is to ensure that each of their clutches is of the highest standards. Even though the price range of ACT clutches is expensive, the price is worth the quality. You will also get a one-year warranty on ACT products which is a great advantage.
Features
- High-quality products which focus mainly on performance
- Made especially for high-performance vehicles
- Individual testing done on the clutches
Experience
ACT is a great brand that you can choose for high-performance cars. If you have competition vehicles mostly used on rough terrains, this is the brand you go for.
2. Sachs
Pros
- The product of the brand is available widely
- You can find clutches for different vehicles
- Authentic supplier of OEM clutches
Cons
- The price range may be higher for some people
Sachs is another brand that is famous for its longevity and durability. They make clutches and suspension parts, including struts and shocks. This brand is widely available all over the world. This also means that you will find most people using and recommending the products of this brand.
Sachs is spread widely in the automobile industry, and this is mainly due to the exceptional performance of its products. A great thing about this brand is the wide range of products to offer to the customers. You will find clutches for all types of vehicles irrespective of their make, model, and year.
Since the brand has easily available parts, people will not find it hard to replace clutches or suspension systems. If you are looking to replace an easily available clutch, then Sachs is the one you choose. Moreover, the brand provides clutch kits at affordable rates, which is an added benefit.
Sachs makes very durable clutches that you can rely on for a long time. Once you invest in a Sachs clutch, you will not have to worry about replacing it any time soon. They are designed to withstand general wear and tear for different types of vehicles. You can find many different options to choose from with various price ranges.
Features
- Sachs clutches can be used for a long time without any damage
- They are high-quality clutches for heavy use
- The brand also offers suspension components such as shocks and struts
Experience
You can never go wrong with Sachs since it offers high-quality clutches. It is not hard to find a Sachs clutch for your vehicle, no matter what the model is. Moreover, the company is widespread, so finding any part is easy.
3. LUK
Pros
- Provides OEM clutches of high quality
- Supplies top brands in the automobile industry with OEM clutches
- Available at a very affordable price
Cons
- May not find suitable clutches for all vehicles
LUK is probably a brand that offers one of the cheapest clutches on this list. However, the low price of the product does not mean cheap quality. You will be surprised to see the high quality of the clutches that the brand has to offer. However, they avoid bringing up their prices and target most of the public who want cost-effective products.
LUK also supplies OEM clutches to some of the biggest names in the automobile industry. Some of those companies which use LUK OEM clutches are Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, and General Motors. Another great thing about the company is the numerous patents it holds for its product range.
The company has strived to bring advanced technology to the automobile industry. You can see this well in the products that they bring to the market. All of their products are aimed to provide exceptional performance to the users. Automotive enthusiasts like us will love the products that the company has to offer.
If you are thinking of replacing your clutch, then LUK would be a great choice. You can get a good quality clutch at a very affordable price range. Moreover, the company has various options that you can choose from according to your vehicle. Due to the advanced options it provides, you will find suitable products for most vehicles.
Features
- Automobile enthusiasts widely recommend the brand
- Focuses on advanced use of technology for their products
- Offers a wide range of products
Experience
LUK is one of the largest suppliers of OEM clutches and has collaborated with top companies. It uses high-end technology for its clutches. This ensures that the users get high-quality products for their vehicles. However, they have intelligently priced their clutches so that it falls in the budget-friendly category.
4. Exedy
Pros
- Aftermarket products are long-lasting and reliable
- Can get clutch kits according to specifications
- Makes high-quality clutches
Cons
- Price may be expensive for some users
Exedy is one of the first names you will hear when looking for top-quality clutches. They are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and have supply collaborations with many top companies. They ensure that their clutches are of the best quality so that the public has no complaints about what they offer.
The automobile industry is mostly taken over by Exedy products, including the Japanese automobile industry. This means that Exedy has a wide reach, just like Sachs products. Moreover, like every other brand on this list, Exedy also has an immense focus on the performance and smoothness of their clutches.
Exedy produces aftermarket clutch kits for standard use. You can find clutch options for most vehicles. However, you might not find as many options for high-performance vehicles. This is because their primary target is on everyday use vehicles. These are the vehicles for which they manufacture high-quality clutches.
The aftermarket clutch kits offered by the brand can be availed of by individuals based on your specifications. You will not find much difference between eh quality and performance of the aftermarket kits with the OEM product. These aftermarket clutches are reliable and durable. Due to the immense supply of products that are long-lasting and durable, the company holds a dominating position in the industry.
Features
- Exedy supplies OEM equipment to top companies in the automobile industry worldwide
- It offers aftermarket clutch kits that are similar to OEM parts
- Wide range of products available
Experience
Exedy is a widely known name in the automobile industry. Not only does it supply OEM equipment, but it also has good quality aftermarket clutches. When replacing your clutch, Exedy could be a very good choice.
5. Valeo
Pros
- Manufactures high-quality products
- Aftermarket clutch kits mainly designed for heavy vehicles such as trucks
- Durable clutches
Cons
- May not be available for all types of vehicles
Valeo is another brand that you could choose that offers an exceptional quality product. The brand is known for using a proprietary technology that is called the self-adjusting technology or SAT. SAT is a technology where the clutch does not get damaged even if other components are damaged.
Generally, when you have damaged components in your car, your clutch may wear out quickly. However, due to Valeo’s SAT technology, their clutches suffer less wear and tear. They stay more durable, and this is a very favorable point for the users. If you want a durable clutch that would not suffer immense damage, then Valeo may be a very suitable option.
Other than the proprietary technology, Valeo is also known for its heavy-duty clutches. They target large vehicles such as trucks. The brand manufactures clutches for large vehicles that are used every day. These clutches are designed to survive everyday load and rough terrains.
The use of SAT technology also makes the usage of the clutch very easy. You will have complete control over the clutch and will not exert pressure on the clutch pedal. Valeo is another brand that supplies aftermarket and OEM equipment that are of similar quality. Due to this, even if you replace your clutch, it will still be similar to the original part.
Features
- Uses Self-Adjusting Technology on its clutches
- Offers OEM equipment to known companies
- Have aftermarket clutch kits similar to OEM equipment
Experience
The Self-Adjusting Technology used by Valeo is its USP. Users love the durability of the product along with the quality. Since they target truck drivers, the clutches are designed to sustain the heavy load.
Things to Consider When Looking For The Best Clutch Brands
In your search for an aftermarket clutch, you will need to look for certain features. Many brands offer different aftermarket clutches, but you need to be very cautious while choosing the same. Just finding the right brand would not be enough for you. You need to ensure that you choose the right product from the brand.
Some features will be the material, wear properties, period of the break-in, durability, etc. You have to check which clutch would the best for your transmission. If you cannot sort out these factors, you would fail to make the right choice. To help you make the right choice, we have listed some of these essential factors.
Clutch Stage
Once you have chosen the best clutch brand for yourself, you need to choose the clutch stage. The performance of the clutch will be divided into different groups. However, some people might be unable to clearly understand these groups.
A stage one clutch of one manufacture may not have the same properties as another manufacturer’s stage one clutch. That is why you need to understand the specifications and properties you need to look out for. Below we have mentioned the standard division of these stages.
Stage 1
The clutches belonging to stage one will mostly be similar to OEM clutches. In these clutches, the clamp force is high, and you can also see an increase in the car’s torque force. Clutches in this stage have a proper clutch disc and other elements that make them perfect for street use.
Stage 2
The next stage contains clutches that have more power retention capability than the ones on the first stage. They also have a much better performance rating than these. For some manufacturers, you might also find these capabilities in their stage one clutches.
Stage 3
If you need a clutch for a racing car or any other high-performance vehicle, then this is the stage you go for. This stage contains heavy-duty clutches which can be suitably used for rough terrains. These clutches are also very powerful and have swift performance.
Assembly
After you have chosen the right clutch stage, you need to assemble them. One issue you might face is the process of assembling. Not every clutch has the same assembly process, and you can find it hard to do without help. If you are not an expert, then it is better to take professional help.
You can face this problem when you change clutch brands. The brand you are using now may or may not have the same assembly method that the earlier one had. So when you install a new clutch brand that you do not know about, you will first need to gather the necessary information.
Another reason for facing problems with assembly is choosing the wrong clutch for the vehicle. This is a situation that you should avoid at all costs. That is why you need to be very cautious while choosing the clutch brand and type.
Weight
The weight of the clutch will affect the overall weight of your vehicle. You do not want to put unnecessary weight on your vehicle. When choosing clutches, you will see that different products have different weights. Even if the products belong to the same brand, the weight will vary.
You need to assess the maximum weight that your car can withstand. This is the clutch weight that you need to opt for. Moreover, ensure that you go for an average weight and not for the maximum one. Choosing an average weighted clutch will give your car a better chance to perform.
Size
Another specification that you need to keep an eye on other than the weight is the size of the clutch. The clutch size will mostly be dependent on the clutch material, design, and shape. These are the things that you need to see before you make your choice.
Each vehicle has a dedicated space for clutch installment, and you need to choose the size according to that space. If you do not know the space and choose a bigger clutch, you will face fitting problems. That is why you need to know the space available before you go on to buy the clutch.
Clutch Type
You will see various clutch types, but the two most common groups are the long style and diaphragm. Car models which are newer have the diaphragm style, while older models have a long style. However, you need to decide which will be the better style for your car.
The make, model, and year of your car will play a great factor in this choice. If you are confused about which clutch style would be the better option for you, it is crucial to take professional help. Make sure that you choose a clutch-type that is compatible with your car and matches the elements.
Frequently Asker Questions
What Is The Longevity Of A Clutch?
Generally, clutches from some of the best clutch brands would last for approximately 60,000 miles. However, this duration will depend on how you use your clutch. If your clutch goes through extensive usage, then its longevity may decline. Another factor that is important to measure the longevity is the brand and quality of the clutch.
You can check the approximate miles that your chosen clutch offers. If you do not know the longevity, then keep track of the miles that it is offering. If your clutch reaches 60,000 miles without any issues, ensure that you get it checked for any faults since it could be dangerous for you.
Can Your Clutch Wear Out In One Day?
No, your clutch can’t wear out in one day and especially not if it is from one of the best clutch brands. That being said, you need to note that your clutch brand would come into consideration while answering this question. If you choose a very cheap clutch brand that is not compatible with your car, it can quickly wear out.
Even in that case, the damage will not happen in just one day. For your clutch to wear out in one day, you need to break your car. Most clutches offer longevity and durability. This goes up as you go higher on the clutch brands. The better brand you choose, the more durable your clutch would be.
What Will Happen If You Drive With A Bad Clutch?
You should always avoid driving with a bad clutch since it could impact your driving experience. More than your driving experience, a bad clutch could also lead to accidents. Using a bad clutch would affect your gearbox, shifter, disc-brake pad and starter motor. This means that you will need to change more of your components.
To avoid that, you should never drive with a bad clutch. If you see any clutch faults, it is better to get them replaced as fast as possible. This way, your car will run smoothly, and any other components of your car such as (Tires or Brake Rotors) will not suffer any damage due to the faulty clutch. Always, make sure you go for the best clutch brands available in the market.
Will Your Car Become Faster By Installing A New Clutch?
Installing a new clutch will make your driving experience smoother. However, it does not directly increase the performance of your engine. A good engine oil is however a key element if you want to improve the overall performance. When you install a new clutch, you can get proper control over the shifting, enhancing your performance.
Is It Expensive To Replace A Clutch Kit?
Whether or not replacing a clutch would be expensive will depend upon how much you are willing to spend. The cost of a clutch can start from $100 and go up to $800 or even more. First, you need to decide the amount that you are willing to invest in the clutch itself. During this decision, you will need to consider many different factors.
Once you have chosen your clutch, you will then have to spend on labor costs. The labor cost will vary according to your location, proximity, and the person doing the work. You can negotiate the labor cost, but the total cost might fall somewhere around $1200 to $1500.
Final Verdict
Besides engine, there are some critical parts of your car, such as high-quality tires, brake pads, brake rotors, engine oil, as well as clutch. When you are looking in the market for a clutch, you need to know what is suitable for your car. We have mentioned some of the best clutch brands that have high-quality product options. Even then, not all products would be perfect for your vehicle. You need to shortlist the ones based on the features mentioned in our above section.
Ensure that the clutch brand and product you choose are durable. When you invest, you need to test its longevity. Avoid investing in cheap brands that would not provide you with a guarantee. Choose a good brand whose products are built for superior performance, durability, and longevity.
