When selecting a new clutch system for your car and deciding on who is going to install it, doing your research is a paramount and often an overlooked step. Making sure you review the new clutch requirements based on your car’s combination and how you intend to use it allows you to make the best choice to meet your expectations.
Once you choose the clutch, or perhaps even before you purchase it, you have another important decision to consider: Who is going to install the clutch? You have two options – install the clutch yourself or enlist the help of an installer to do the job for you. This decision requires research as well – maybe more than the purchase itself!
TIP #1: A clutch is a very simple and basic part of the driveline and should not be a difficult part to install. Regardless of experience level, whether you are going to tackle the installation yourself or you decide that an installer may be a better choice for the job, follow the instructions. All clutches and components are NOT created equal. Become familiar with your specific installation and the associated parts needed for the installation. It will save you a lot of problems and aggravation down the road.
If you think you want to tackle the job yourself, you will want to ask yourself some questions:
• Do I have any experience installing a clutch?
• Do I have good mechanical knowledge of my car?
• Do I have the proper work environment to do the job?
• Do I have the proper tools needed to complete the job, including accurate measuring tools for hydraulic system installations?
• Do I have someone that can help me if necessary? Keep in mind that these are heavy parts. Having a helper available not only means that you will have assistance with the heavy parts but also have a second set of eyes on the project as it progresses through to its completion.
If you answer yes to most, if not all, of those questions and are willing to do the research up front, doing the installation yourself can be very rewarding. It is important to be prepared; search for and review videos and “how-to” articles on your vehicle. A vehicle service manual can be a great help, too. Educate yourself as much as you can before beginning the job. This step should minimize any surprises once the work begins. You only want to take apart what you need to. If the clutch system is hydraulic, review documentation on proper slave cylinder setup. RAM has great instructions and videos to help guide you through this process. Whether it is a factory slave or aftermarket hydraulic bearing be sure to read and follow the instructions for trouble-free installation. Another great source for installation and product information is the RAM YouTube page. Most importantly, TAKE YOUR TIME.
If this seems like a lot for you to handle, your best option may be to locate an installer to do the job for you. This means that you will incur additional cost to complete the job. You then owe it to yourself to once again ask some questions before making your final decision regarding the installer. This is not the time to look for the ‘best deal’ or to try and cut corners.
- Is the installer familiar with your particular vehicle?
- Have they worked on your style of vehicle before?
- Does the installer have experience installing a clutch in your particular vehicle?
- Have they installed a RAM or other aftermarket clutch system before?
- Have they worked with factory hydraulics or performance hydraulics before?
- Do they have all the necessary tools?
- Can they dedicate adequate time to do the job and adapt and overcome any unforeseen issues?
If you take your installation seriously, there are quite a few questions that the installer needs to answer before earning your business.
TIP #2: Review the installer’s website and/or read any reviews you can find about the installer. Interview the installer/shop to confirm their experience and confidence level in completing the job properly. If possible, talk to other customers to find out their personal experience with the installer. A shop that specializes in performance work or with your particular vehicle is usually going to be a good choice. You want someone to complete this job like they are working on their own car!
What about dealerships or general repair facilities, you may be asking? That is a great question and one that we are asked frequently. While these establishments have some great technicians, they may not be your best option. These shops are usually more familiar with replacing factory parts with factory parts and may not be as familiar with your aftermarket clutch system. This does not mean one of these shops should automatically be disqualified. Once again, research is key.
TIP #3:You have spent a lot of time doing research. You have spent a fair bit of money on parts and perhaps even had a professional shop complete your installation. You want to go out on the road and try out your new parts. STOP!!! You must resist going out and abusing your new parts right away. Regardless of brand, a break in procedure is required so your clutch will provide you with the performance and longevity you expect. Check out our video detailing the break in procedure RAM Clutches Break in procedure.
Whether you decide to install your new clutch yourself or decide to take it to an installer, do your research. Make certain that you give yourself and/or your installer the best chance to perform a trouble-free installation that will provide thousands of miles and many years of enjoyment.
As always, the RAM Team welcomes your feedback as well as stories of your experiences, good or bad!
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