Luk Clutch Kit Review & Buyer’s Guide [2021 UPDATE]
For high-performance driving, very few modifications to a motor vehicle can beat installing an aftermarket clutch kit. And as many of us know, LuK Clutches are some of the best available on the market.
That being said, knowing which model to go for can be confusing. The 1st priority is compatibility. In this article we have covered the types of vehicle 5 of the most popular LuK clutch kits can be used for.
We have also given you the low down on type, function, and performance so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to upgrade your clutch.
For our findings at a glance, head to the table below. For a full, detailed review of each of these selected LuK clutches, keep on reading.
Luk Clutch Kits – Top 5 Picks
Luk Clutch Reviews
There are different makes, designs, and models of Luk kits. Moreover, the same model may have slight variations to cater for the variance of engine products within the same engine model.
Even so, one needs to purchase the best quality kit their budget will allow. To this end, five of the best Luk clutch kits, covering different price points and vehicle configurations are reviewed below.
1. LuK 17-050 Clutch Set (for transmissions that support thrust bearings)
The Luk 17-050 is a high-performance direct-fit clutch set that comes with a dry clutch plate, a pressure plate, and a release bearing, along with a handy, easy-to-use clutch alignment tool.
It also comes with a diaphragm spring and a dual-mass flywheel whose operational design allows it to continuously provide rotational inertia even when the engine is not producing power.
This system also dampens any vibration in the engine block, preventing them from straining the weaker damper springs in the drive plate of the clutch.
The release bearing is a throwout-type which means that it is pushed towards the flywheel when the clutch pedal is pressed, and in effect converts the kit into a push-type clutch kit.
This model can be fitted in car models whose engine profile and gear transmission system support the use of thrust bearings.
- Audi A3 models made from 1998-2003 and whose engine capacity is 1.8liters(L).
- Audi TT models made from 1999 to 2006, including the front-wheel-drive model as well as the 5-speed model that was made in 2001 and 2002. The 2002 model has an engine capacity of 1.8L.
- Seat Ibiza models made in 2005-2006.
- Volkswagen Beetle made from 1998 to 2006. The 2006 and 1999 models have an engine capacity of 1.9 L while the rest have an engine capacity of 1.8 L.
- Volkswagen Golf made between 1999 and 2006. They all have an engine capacity of 1.9L except the 2000 and 2001 models whose engine capacity averages 1.8L.
- Volkswagen Golf GTI made between 2000 and 2006, and whose engine capacity averages 1.8L.
- Volkswagen Jetta.
This light-weight and hard-wearing kit weighs about 5 pounds and is shipped in a package that measures 16.9inches in length, 14.9inches in width, and 3.9inches.
The flywheel is shipped in a different package. Its components are built from premium-grade cast iron and are made through a precision engineering process.
Moreover, the disc-friction facings are rugged and well-optimized to use friction to bind the disc ring to the flywheel when the clutch plate is engaged.
The fully-fitted kit has an outstanding heat-absorbing capacity which allows the pressure plate and clutch plate to efficiently transfer their heat via the Luk dual-mass flywheel to the engine block, where the heat is dissipated alongside engine heat.
Its high-quality damper springs are made from precision-engineered high-spring steel, which allows for efficient dampening of vibration, as well as minimizes cluttering of the clutch plate within the bell housing.
This kit is designed to operate smoothly for the first 12,000 miles.
If the dual-mass flywheel is installed in the vehicle, the driver would enjoy a smoother clutch pedal operation as this flywheel reduces the amount of force needed to move the clutch lever system so as to disengage the clutch.
Moreover, the high clamping thrust of the clutch plate ensures that flywheel rotational speed is well synchronized with the rear wheel speeds via the geared power-train transmission system.
When installing the kit, its throw-out bearing must be fitted in the gimbal of the pivoted fork, so that it can be pushed fully when the driver engages the clutch pedal.
This model benefits from a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Luk Clutch Systems, LLC; as well as their authorized resellers.
- It comes with a dual-mass flywheel.
- Durable push-type clutch kit.
- Direct-fit for specified vehicles whose engine capacities average between 1.8L to 1.9L.
- Made using precision engineering with the material used being high-quality cast iron.
- Exceptional heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities.
- Supports efficient power transmission from the engine block to the gear train.
- Factory-backed limited lifetime warranty, with priority on the first 12,000 miles traveled.
- Limited to use in light-duty vehicle models.
Bottom-line
The LuK 17-050 Rep-Set is a durable, high-performance direct-fit clutch set that comes with a dry clutch plate, a pressure plate, a release bearing, and a handy clutch alignment tool; as well as a dual-mass flywheel.
This push-type clutch kit is designed for direct-fit in specific light-duty vehicles. Made using precision-engineered and high-quality cast iron, in terms of performance this is exactly what we have come to expect from Luk.
Designed to provide outstanding heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities, as well as supporting efficient power transmission from engine block to the gear train, the 17-050 is a highly recommended clutch kit.
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2. LuK 16-079 Set (For vehicles that support a push-type clutch kit)
The Luk 16-079 is a premium-grade, (yet budget-friendly) direct-fit clutch set. It features a dry clutch plate, a pressure plate, and a release bearing, and 2 clutch alignment tools.
This diaphragm-spring model comes without a flywheel and making the kit cheaper than the Luk 17-050 model.
Its clutch plate contains durable and efficient vibration-dampening damper springs that allow the plate to efficiently transfer power to different gear sets without suffering from cluttering and vibrational shock that occasions engagement of new gear set when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating.
Its throwout-type release bearing allows for the clutch plate to be thrown/pushed towards the flywheel when the clutch pedal is pressed by the driver.
This also means that it can only fit in light-duty personal cars whose OEM clutch system supports the push-type clutch kit. Furthermore, this model fits vehicles whose OEM engine supports a stepped flywheel.
- Chevy Prizm models made between 1998 and 2002.
- GEO Prizm models made between 1991 and 2002.
- Pontiac Vibe models that were made from 2003 to 2008.
- Scion xA models made between 2004 and 2006.
- Scion xB.
This wear-resistant clutch kit weighs about 5.76 pounds and is shipped in a package that measures 14.4inches in length, 13.6inches in width, and 3inches.
It is therefore slightly heavier than the Luk 17-050 model, but nonetheless, its components are made premium-grade cast iron that has been undergone high-quality fabrication.
As with other Luk products reviewed here, the 16-079 components are made via a precision engineering process.
Additionally, its disc-friction facings well-rugged and fully-optimized to use friction to complement the clamping thrust provided by the diaphragm spring. This of courses helps bind the disc ring to the flywheel when the clutch plate is engaged.
Like the Luk 17-050 kit, the fully-fitted Luk 16-079 kit has an outstanding heat-absorbing capacity which allows the pressure plate and clutch plate to efficiently transfer their heat to the engine block via the flywheel.
Additionally, the high clamping thrust placed on the engaged clutch plate ensures that flywheel rotational speed can be synchronized with the speed of rear wheels.
As expected, during installation, its throw-out bearing must be fitted in the gimbal of the pivoted fork.
This model benefits from a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Luk Clutch Systems, LLC; as well as their authorized resellers. It is also designed to operate smoothly for the first 12,000 miles.
- Affordable.
- Uses diaphragm spring to clamp the friction plate.
- Durable push-type clutch kit.
- Direct-fit for specified vehicles whose OEM design allows for use of step flywheels.
- Made using precision engineering with the material used being high-quality cast iron.
- Exceptional heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities.
- Supports efficient power transmission from the engine block to the gear train.
- Factory-backed limited lifetime warranty, with priority on the first 12,000 miles travelled.
- Limited to use in light-duty vehicle models.
- It comes without a flywheel.
Bottom-line
The LuK 16-079 Rep-Set is a premium-grade, budget-friendly direct-fit clutch set that has a dry friction plate, a pressure plate, and a release bearing, and 2 clutch alignment tools.
Designed for use in specified light-duty vehicles, (head to the Amazon product page to check your vehicle); this precision-engineered kit will certainly raise the bar over your existing, factory-installed clutch kit.
Overall, an excellent after-market kit for the money.
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3. LuK 05-065 Kit (For vehicles that support a push-type clutch kit)
This is another budget-grade, diaphragm-spring clutch kit that is designed for direct-fit in compatible engine systems.
It comes without a Luk flywheel, and unlike the LuK 16-079 kit, it is designed for fitment on personal cars whose OEM engine design incorporates a flat flywheel, (more on that below).
The Luk 05-065 kit has a dry clutch plate, a pressure plate, and a release bearing, and a clutch alignment tool. Its price point is less than the Luk 17-050 model.
Nonetheless, its clutch plate has durable and efficient vibration-dampening damper springs which allow for efficient transfer of engine power during clutch engagement and disengagement so that the vehicle can accelerate or decelerate.
It uses a throwout-type release bearing which ensures that the clutch plate is thrown towards the flywheel during disengagement.
This also means that it can only fit in personal cars whose OEM clutch system supports the push-type clutch kit.
- Dodge B-Series vehicles made in 1992 and 1993.
- Dodge Dakota car models made between 1992 and 1999.
- Jeep Cherokee models made between 1994 and 2001.
- The 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee model.
- Jeep Wrangler.
Unlike the LuK 16-079 Rep-Set and Luk 17-050 Rep-Set kits which are designed exclusively for light-duty personal cars, the Luk 05-065 kit is designed to be used in both light-duty personal cars and medium-duty Jeeps whose total engine capacity does not exceed 4.0L.
The light-weight and wear-resistant Luk 05-065 kit weighs about 5 pounds and is shipped in a package that measures 16.9inches in length, 14.4inches in width, and 3.9inches.
Its components are made premium-grade cast iron that has undergone high-quality fabrication.
As with the 2 Luk kits reviewed above, this model has an outstanding heat-absorbing capacity which allows the pressure plate and clutch plate to efficiently transfer their heat to the engine block via the flywheel.
Likewise, the high clamping thrust placed on the engaged clutch plate ensures that flywheel rotational speed can be synchronized with the rear wheel speeds.
During installation, its throw-out bearing must be fitted in the gimbal of the pivoted fork.
This model benefits from a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Luk Clutch Systems, LLC, and is designed to operate smoothly for the first 12,000 miles.
- Affordable.
- Uses diaphragm spring to clamp the friction plate.
- It can be fitted in compatible medium-duty Jeeps models.
- Durable push-type clutch kit.
- Direct-fit for specified vehicles whose OEM design allows for use of flat flywheels.
- Made using precision engineering
- Made from high-quality cast iron.
- Exceptional heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities.
- Supports efficient power transmission from the engine block to the gear train.
- Factory-backed limited lifetime warranty, with priority on the first 12,000 miles travelled.
- Comes without a flywheel.
Bottom-line
The LuK 05-065 kit is a budget-grade, diaphragm-spring clutch kit that is designed for direct-fit in compatible engine systems.
This dry-clutch model comes without a flywheel, and being a push-type clutch kit it is designed for use in specific medium-duty vehicles.
A great clucth kit for those looking to upgrade an appropriate SUV or medium sized jeep.
4. LuK 05-901 Kit (for vehicles that incorporate a flat flywheel)
The Luk 05-901 is a premium-grade, medium-duty, diaphragm-spring clutch kit that comes without a flywheel.
This kit has only 3 components – a dry friction plate, a pressure plate, and a throw-out release bearing. Its Pro-Gold Performance variant comes with 2 additional items – an aluminum flywheel and a clutch alignment tool.
This model is designed for direct-fit incompatible engine systems in vehicles whose OEM engine design incorporates a flat flywheel.
Its heavy-duty clutch plate has durable and efficient vibration-dampening damper springs in the drive plate which allow for efficient transfer of engine power during vehicle acceleration and deceleration.
Additionally, its throwout-type release bearing ensures that the clutch plate is thrown towards the flywheel during disengagement.
This also means that it can only fit in light-to-heavy duty personal cars whose OEM clutch system supports the push-type clutch kit.
- Dodge B-Series vehicles made in 1992 and 1993.
- Dodge Dakota car models made between 1992 and 1999.
- Jeep Cherokee models made between 1994 and 2001.
- The 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee model.
- Jeep Wrangler.
The kit is designed to be used in both light-duty personal cars and medium-duty Jeeps with a total engine capacity that does not exceed 4.0L.
The damper springs can be overwhelmed if the actuating fingers become misaligned in relation to the release bearing, and this can cause the bearing to squeal when the vehicle is accelerating.
For this reason, this kit should be installed by a Luk-certified professional.
The compact, medium-weight, and wear-resistant Luk kit weighs about 8.5 pounds and is shipped in a package that measures 16.9inches in length, 14.6inches in width, and 3.9inches.
Its components are made of premium-grade cast iron that has been undergone premium-grade fabrication and designed into functional products through a precision engineering process.
Furthermore, its disc-friction facings are optimized to use friction to complement the clamping thrust provided by the diaphragm spring to lock the friction plate to the flywheel.
As with the previous Luk clutch kits we have reviewed, this model has a superior heat-absorbing capacity which allows the pressure plate and clutch plate to efficiently transfer their heat to the engine block via the flywheel.
Similarly, the high clamping thrust placed on the engaged clutch plate ensures that flywheel rotational speed can be synchronized with wheel speeds.
A standard installation instruction with these models is that their throw-out bearings must be fitted in the gimbal of their pivoted forks.
This model benefits from a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Luk Clutch Systems, LLC, and is designed to operate smoothly for the first 12,000 miles.
- Uses diaphragm spring to clamp the friction plate.
- Can be fitted in compatible medium-duty Jeeps models.
- Durable push-type clutch kit.
- Direct-fit for specified vehicles whose OEM design allows for use of flat flywheels.
- Made using precision engineering
- Made from high-quality cast iron.
- Exceptional heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities.
- Supports efficient power transmission from the engine block to the gear train.
- Factory-backed limited lifetime warranty, with priority on the first 12,000 miles traveled.
- Its release bearing can squeal under heavy torsional loads.
Bottom-line
The LuK 05-901 is a premium-grade, medium-duty, diaphragm-spring clutch kit that comes without a flywheel. It has 3 components – a dry friction plate, a pressure plate, and a throw-out release bearing.
However, buyers do have the option of the Pro-Gold Performance variant comes with 2 additional items – an aluminum flywheel and a clutch alignment tool.
Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed with the performance of this clutch kit. If you have the budget, and the 05-901 fits your vehicle, this is the Luk clutch kit to buy.
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5. LuK 07-202 Kit (for use in vehicles that use a hydraulic clutch control system)
The 07-202 is a heavy-duty, high-performance, premium-grade direct fit clutch kit that comes with a flywheel and a slave cylinder.
This diaphragm-spring kit is designed for use in vehicles that use a hydraulic clutch control system. It also comes with a clutch alignment tool.
The compatible OEM engine systems must support the use of a flat flywheel.
It has a heavy-duty friction plate whose durable and efficient vibration-dampening damper springs allow for efficient power transmission during vehicle acceleration and deceleration.
Furthermore, its throwout-type release bearing ensures that the clutch plate is efficiently engaged to the flywheel after the gears have been changed.
This premium kit can only fit in light-to-medium duty personal cars whose OEM clutch system supports the push-type clutch kit.
- 2006 model through to the 2008 model whose total engine capacity is 4.0L.
- Variants of the Ford Mustang 2009 and 2010 models with a total engine capacity of 4.0L.
It is also recommended that this kit is installed by a Luk-certified professional.
This is because improper installation causes the damper springs to inefficiently absorb vibrations if the actuating fingers become misaligned in relation to the release bearing, and this can cause the bearing to squeal during vehicle acceleration.
The wear-resistant and relatively heavy-weight compact kit weighs about 20 pounds and is shipped in a package that measures 20.9inches in length, 13.6inches in width, and 4.9inches.
Its components are made of premium-grade cast iron that has undergone high-quality fabrication. They are later developed into functional products using a precision engineering process.
Furthermore, its disc-friction facings are optimized to use friction to complement the clamping thrust provided by the diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal is released.
Equally, the high clamping thrust placed on the engaged clutch plate ensures that flywheel rotational speed is synchronized with wheel speeds.
Furthermore, the standard installation instruction applies as well with regards to release bearing installation as it must be fitted in the gimbal of their pivoted forks.
This model benefits from a limited lifetime warranty guaranteed by Luk Clutch Systems, LLC, and is designed to operate smoothly for the first 12,000 miles.
- It comes with a flat flywheel.
- Features a slave cylinder.
- Uses diaphragm spring to clamp the friction plate.
- It can be fitted in compatible medium-duty Jeeps models.
- Durable push-type clutch kit.
- Direct-fit for specified vehicles whose OEM design allows for use of flat flywheels.
- Made using precision engineering
- Made from high-quality cast iron.
- Exceptional heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities.
- Supports efficient power transmission from the engine block to the gear train.
- Factory-backed limited lifetime warranty, with priority on the first 12,000 miles traveled.
- Its release bearing can squeal under heavy torsional loads.
Bottom-line
The LuK 07-202 is a heavy-duty, high-performance, premium-grade direct fit clutch kit that comes with a flywheel and a slave cylinder.
This diaphragm-spring kit also comes with a clutch alignment tool. This heavy-weight, push-type clutch kit is designed for use in specified medium-duty vehicles; and is made from high-quality cast iron.
This gives it outstanding heat-transfer and heat-dissipation capacities, as well as supports efficient power transmission.
LuK Clutch Kit Buyer’s Guide
To begin with, it is important to highlight again that Luk clutch kits are manufactured based on the car model, and any model-specific kit can come with a matching flywheel.
Therefore, the first thing that one needs to do is to choose a model that fits their vehicle.
- Choose a kit that is designed for the vehicle make, (the product pages for each of our selected picks will give you the option to type in your car model to test compatibility).
- Among the kits available for the vehicle make, choose one that is designed for the specific car model.
- Among the ones that are available for the car model, choose one that fits the engine that the vehicle has. This Luk Kit product is the model that one purchases.
The aforementioned steps ensure that one selects the right kit that matches the engine profile of the car.
This is important when it comes to fitting the Luk flywheel to the crankshaft, as the functional design and operational profile of this flywheel must correspond to the OEM flywheel of the vehicle, or else the Luk flywheel would fit poorly on the crankshaft hub and bell housing.
The utility of using a Luk clutch kit and the matching flywheel is that a replacement unit is always at hand, as one only needs to purchase a unit similar to the Luk unit installed in the vehicle.
Moreover, installation and maintenance are standardized. Likewise, one can seek professional assistance from Luk-authorized dealers. Moreover, such assistance is usually cheaper compared to the one offered by OEM car makers.
Another important factor that one needs to consider is the amount of clamping thrust (the pressure the diaphragm spring exerts onto the clutch plate), as this determines how effective the installed Luk kit will be at transferring power.
Usually, it is recommended that the purchased kit has the same clamping thrust as the clutch kit provided by the vehicle OEM.
Buying an Aftermarket Clutch Kit
As with any aftermarket component for your vehicle, there are plenty of choices out there for clutches. Choosing the right one, (whether it be a LuK clutch or another manufacturer) requires a level of understanding for what’s available.
If the recommendations above still leave you confused, here are some factors to consider when looking to purchase a new clutch kit for your motor.
How many discs do you need?
The number of clutch discs you need is dependant on the level of power your car is providing. Twin-plate or triple plate clutches are used for high-performance vehicles. However, these multi-plate clutches are definitely more expensive and more common in sports cars and track racing.
The multi-place options have more surface material that generates greater friction. Essentially, they can handle the levels of torque required in track cars. They also allow for faster gear shifting.
The downside is that they have more moving parts. There is a greater chance of malfunction over the long term and they are noisy and produce more vibrations when compared to single plate clutches.
Also, a vehicle with multi-plate clutches is easier to stall, an issue that could get embarrassing in heavy traffic.
Full and Puck-Style Discs
Full disc clutches are circular in shape while puck-style discs are shaped more like a star. The benefit of puck-style discs is that they have less surface area and are able to dissipate heat with greater speed.
However, because they heat up faster it can cause them to wear out quicker when compared to full discs. Like the multi-disc clutches described above, a puck-style is better suited to high-performance vehicles.
Types of Clutch Material
Clutch materials have come a long way in recent years. Today’s market has a number of types to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. When looking to buy a new clutch kit you should be aware of the different materials available in order to purchase the right kit for your needs.
Organic Clutches
Common Types: HD organic & Stage 2 Clutch
The most common type of clutch is the organic clutch. Most vehicles leave the factory floor with an organic clutch installed.
It is basically an umbrella term, meaning a clutch made from multiple materials. That being said, steel-based discs with woven fibers are the general specification.
This material is durable while being forgiving enough to provide smooth engagement. This makes the organic clutch good for general purpose driving and is precisely the reason you will find them in most cars.
However, the material will overheat quickly when under high-performance pressure. They can slip relatively easily under too much torque.
A modified organic clutch comes in the form of the Stage 2 clutch system. This has copper mixed with multiple materials in order to provide the strength required of an everyday use clutch.
Ceramic Clutches
Common Types: Stage 4 Clutch, 6-puck
Ceramic clutches are even more durable than organic types and are able to withstand much higher temperatures. Ceramic bites harder than organic material clutches and can therefore handle more power.
However, they are less forgiving when engaging and if you opt for a puck-style ceramic clutch, you should expect more noise.
Segmented Ceramic Clutches
Common Types: Stage 3 Clutch, segmented 8-puck
This type of clutch is designed as a full-disc with gaps in between. The intention of this is to have a smoother driving experience associated with the full disc system, alongside the enhanced heat dissipation of the puck-style clutch.
Today’s high-performance vehicles are often fitted with segmented ceramic clutches
Sintered Clutch Clutches
Common Types: Stage 6 Clutch, metallic 6-puck
If you are after maximum acceleration in a performance environment (i.e racing), sintered material clutches are the recommended choice.
Sintering is a process that creates materials with an extremely high melting point. For clutches, this normally means iron discs that can operate under extreme temperatures. They can handle more power, however engaging is very abrupt. Gear changes are not pretty.