Services

CLUTCH REBUILDS

ACS says it is proud to offer this important service

Many years ago, Australian Clutch Services (ACS) started out as a clutch rebuild facility, essentially building remanufactured clutch kits. Fast forward 30 years and the industry has changed focus to a ‘new replacement’ model; however, ACS continues to offer rebuild services for rare applications and maintains a fully operational rebuild facility. Although rebuilding older clutch kits may seem like a thing of the past, it is still an important service for some areas of the industry such as in vintage vehicle restoration or the agricultural sector. In-cases where new components are simply no longer available in the market, Australian Clutch Services offers a rebuild service to bring worn clutch components back to as new condition. “Although ACS is geared towards the supply of new clutch kits and components, we still retain a rebuild facility that enables us to recondition clutch kits for customers that require this type of service,” ACS Workshop and Technical Support Manager, Darren Schreuder. “We still get a lot of requests for rebuilds for tractors and old farming equipment where sourcing new components is no longer possible. “In addition to this, we also offer this service to restoration businesses around the country that require a clutch solution for extremely rare vehicles as well as the motorsport industry where people prefer to freshen up their motorsport twin plate as a more economical solution.” The service is conducted in-house at Australian Clutch Services using its state-of-the-art testing facilities to ensure the clutch is operating to the correct tolerances and specifications. Each clutch kit is analysed to check for rebuild suitability and current pressure plate clamping force and so on before being completely disassembled and rebuilt, often using various new components that ACS keep in-stock. “Our inventory of rare clutch components is substantial, and we have managed to source a wide range of specialist individual components over more than 30 years in business,” Darren said. “In instances where we don’t have these components, we are often able to either source the correct components or find alternatives that are suitable for the application.” After the clutch kit has been restored, ACS technicians will check the specifications of the clutch to ensure it meets the correct tolerances and will then supply the clutch back to the customer. “The process varies depending on the specific clutch kit. Sometimes in motorsport applications we just need to resurface the flywheel and install new friction discs, intermediate plates and casting, in other cases we need to completely rebuild a vintage tractor or commercial application which includes restoring each individual component,” Darren said. The ACS rebuild service is accessible through ACS’ nationwide distributor network. For further information, please visit www.australianclutch.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.

Before After

IMPORTANT SERVICE EXPANDING, ASSISTING SKILLS SHORTAGE

Wheelnutz Garage is a small family business teaching people with disabilities how to repair and restore vehicles

The only one of its kind in Australia, the service delivered by Wheelnutz Garage was born out of a home garage on the Gold Coast in late 2020. Owner operators Gavin McCarthy and Jade Burgmann together enjoyed supporting people with disabilities to explore Southeast Queensland in the back of a four-wheel drive, packed with swags and kayaks. For many, Wheelnutz Garage is a stepping-stone to paid employment. And for the automotive industry, it offers a solution to staffing challenges with a commitment to strong community partnerships, building pathways for future training and employment, and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities in the automotive industry. A non-running Nissan Patrol at home was the inspiration to create an opportunity for these young people to not only enjoy a weekend of camping but to learn how to fix any mechanical issues and learn how to use the recovery gear they would often see, on their trips to the Sunshine Coast or the Glasshouse mountains. For Gavin and Jade, it was an opportunity to introduce young people with disabilities to the four-wheel drive community, and in turn, teach meaningful skills, pathways to employment and a social setting for those interested in cars, bikes and all things automotive. Now operating from two garages and with a third in the planning, they are determined to create an environment for people with Autism, sensory difficulties, acquired brain injury and neurological conditions to build friendships and grow their capacity for future employment and independence. Recognising the sensory challenges a working automotive garage brings, experienced, skills staff with an automotive background are handpicked, equipment selected and strategies now common place on the garage floor, ensuring that everyone can participate to their capacity, and everyone’s contribution is valued. Like all good things, the cost in time and money is significant. To ensure the program is accessible for everyone, Gavin and Jade also work weekends to afford the tools and equipment for the program to run and to provide a free BBQ lunch each day, and for those who turn up daily without breakfast, they have something to eat before the program starts. Wheelnutz Garage is operated by Adventure Crew Pty Ltd, on the Gold Coast and in Logan, Queensland. For more information, visit www.wheelnutzgarage.com