Choosing clutch system parts is a responsible and serious matter: not only your safety is at stake, but also the thickness of your wallet. Alas, the rule applies especially clearly here: the higher the price, the higher the level of quality of the product. And if you have long and confidently placed your bet on the premium segment, but still doubt which manufacturer to choose, we suggest dotting the i’s and comparing the two main competitors Luk and Valeo according to the main parameters.
We have written more than once about the nuances of selecting a complete clutch kit and its parts separately. Which components are paramount and what fails first can be seen here. It would also be useful to refresh your memory about the features of operation and replacement of such important elements as the clutch disc, master and slave cylinders, clutch basket and release bearing and cable.
What characteristics are important when choosing clutch parts?
Before advising whether to buy a Valeo or Luk clutch kit, we suggest deciding on the key parameters by which, in principle, it makes sense to compare these two premium manufacturers.
- Reliability is determined by the quality of the material from which the clutch parts are made and the confidence in purchasing a genuine product and not a counterfeit.
- Service life depends on resistance to wear, overheating, temperature resistance, additional features of production technology, etc.
- Comfort - expressed in a smooth, soft ride, as well as the presence and quality of dampers that dampen vibrations and vibrations.
- Finally, the features of operation - or rather, the degree of your participation in installation, diagnostics and periodic “intervention”. Depends on which option is closer to you: “set it once and forget it” or regularly check, update and “tweak” parts?
We also note that such an important criterion as the cost of the clutch kit is not critical in this case, since we are talking about brands from the same price category.
Reviews
Car enthusiast Leonid Arkadyevich is upset because he purchased a fake Valeo clutch kit instead of the original.
To understand how high quality Valeo products are, it is better to read reviews of other consumers about the SS. Both positive and negative comments from motorists were selected especially for our readers.
| Positive | Negative |
| Hello everyone, I decided to write here about my experience using a Valeo clutch. Before choosing a mechanism, I thought for a long time which one would be better and settled on this option. Now I can say with confidence that the quality declared by the manufacturer is very high. I’ve been using it for four years now and have ridden almost 80 thousand kilometers on it. It became much easier to drive, comfort was felt immediately. The gears shift much smoother, so I recommend it to everyone, you won’t regret it if you buy it. | The grip, of course, is good, probably, but I couldn’t feel it myself. I bought it two years ago for 1,800 rubles and after almost 10 months it shattered into pieces and had to be completely replaced. I was later told that for that kind of money I could not buy the original, so, apparently, I purchased a fake by mistake and ignorance. Although at first it really worked smoothly and without any complaints. But over time, first a knock appeared, then the car began to twitch when changing gears, and then the clutch completely “closed.” |
| Back in 2009, Valeo installed the nine. I literally assembled the car piece by piece and decided not to install the original mechanism. The ceramic clutch disappeared immediately, since the car was made for everyday use. Compared to the original clutch, Valeo is equipped with wide friction linings, as a result of which it transmits more torque. As soon as I got behind the wheel, I realized it right away: the car became more powerful and picked up speed faster. The pedal works much softer - when changing speed you can just throw it and the car won’t jerk. I’ve been driving for almost six years now and have no problems, that’s what quality means. | Four years ago I installed it in an Opel, drove almost 50 thousand km on it and had no troubles. Then I bought a VAZ 2108 for my son and decided to install Valeo there when it was time for a replacement. What I want to say is that the quality of the products has deteriorated. The car traveled on Valeo for no more than 5000 km, after which the mechanism had to be changed. In addition, there were difficulties with installation, and there was no instruction disk in the box. I called a mechanic from the service station, he helped me install it; I couldn’t have done it myself, that’s for sure. |
| I decided to write a positive review about Valeo. Like other motorists, I noticed that the car became smoother on the road, the gears switched smoothly. It was difficult to install the system myself, but after two hours of suffering it worked. Separately, I wanted to highlight the release bearing. It is made of heat-resistant plastic, is not afraid of high temperatures, and the developers have made channels in the inner diameter through which dust and chips are removed from the bearing itself. Convenient, especially since it increases the durability of the mechanism. |
Luk VS Valeo: reliability
Let's start with reliability. Both manufacturers have no equal in this indicator. Luk is a high-quality “100%” German product with all that it implies: precision, first-class quality and scrupulous meticulousness in development and assembly. Valeo is a French brand that supplies clutch spare parts for every third car in the world. Both Luk and Valeo are official distributors for the conveyors of the largest automakers, as well as for the secondary market. However, we still recommend taking a closer look and buying a Valeo clutch - and here's why. Firstly, in the production of clutch system parts, the company uses exclusively durable and high-quality materials, and also carefully monitors the manufacturing process at each stage. Secondly, Valeo offers such a wide range of entire clutch kits and individual elements that you can easily select exactly the spare part that interests you. Thirdly, according to world statistics, the Valeo clutch (over more than eighty years of history of its existence) has received such a number of various awards, certificates and recognitions that it is rightfully considered a reference - much more reliable?!
However, there is a downside: in addition to quality, Valeo also holds the record for the frequency of counterfeiting. However, if you approach the issue thoughtfully, it is very easy to detect counterfeit goods even before purchase (read how exactly).
Clutch catalog
As stated earlier, the superior quality and technical properties of the company’s products allow Valeo to cooperate with leading automotive manufacturers. As a result, the manufacturer is engaged in the production of parts that are so popular among manufacturers of European, American, Russian and Japanese cars.
| car brand | Catalog number |
| Renault 19, Clio, Rapid | 003433 |
| VAZ 2105, 2108, 2109 | 003495 |
| Renault 19 in the back of a Volvo 440 convertible | 006730 |
| Seat Cordoba, Ibiza Volkswagen Golf, Polo coupe, Vento | 006742 |
| Fiat Kroma Lancia | 006756 |
| Citroen Jumpy, Xanthia Fiat Scudo in the back of a plant and a Peugeot Expert van | 006785 |
| Fiat models Uno and Tempra Lancia Delta 2 | 006803 |
| Fiat models Elba, Fiorino, Tempra, Tipo Lancia models Dedra and Delta 2 | 006804 |
| Mitsubishi Colt and Lancer | 009236 |
| Nissan Micra | 009247 |
| Nissan Almera and Sunny | 009249 |
| Renault 19 convertible, Chamade and Clio | 009312 |
| Citroen Xantia, XM Peugeot 306 in sedan, convertible and hatchback bodies | 801001 |
| Volvo 440 and 460 | 801020 |
| Fiat models Tipo and Tempra Lancia Dedra and Delta 2 | 801080 |
| Alfa Romeo 145, 146 and 155 Fiat model Tempra and Tipo Lancia Dedra SV and Delta 2 | 801081 |
| Fiat Siecento, Panda and Uno Seat Marbella | 801086 |
| Fiat Ducato, Ducato Panorama | 801095 |
| Renault 19, Rapid and Clio | 801107 |
| Fiat Brava, Fiorino, Palio and Strada | 801126 |
| Mercedes Benz class G | 801156 |
| Opel Combo and Corsa | 801169 |
| Citroen AX Peugeot 106, 205, 309 and 405 | 801256 |
| Ford Escort | 801293 |
| Ford Scorpio and Sierra | 801295 |
| Rover 100, 200, 400, Convertible and Coupe | 801376 |
| Mercedes Benz 100 bus and van | 801408 |
| Volkswagen | 801432 |
| Skoda Favorite, Felicia | 801454 |
| Audi 80, 100, A6, Cabriolet and Coupe | 801461 |
| Toyota Avensis, Carina, Celica, Corolla | 801502 |
| Mazda 323 | 801508 |
| Nissan Almera, Primera and Sunny | 801515 |
Not all clutch models are included in the presented catalogue. Their total number in the Valeo production line is hundreds. Therefore, we have listed those that, according to official data from company representatives, are the most popular in the international automobile market. Each catalog number corresponds to the number of products manufactured at the enterprise.
Luk VS Valeo: service life
The uninterrupted operation life of any high-quality clutch should be approximately 100,000 kilometers of standard (average) driving. Luk and Valeo “fit” into this framework without any problems thanks to excellent materials that withstand mechanical wear, friction and temperature “attacks” with honor. In addition, we can note that Valeo clutch discs are not only made of durable alloys, but also heat-treated, which prevents overheating, deformation and premature destruction.
And again, returning to the statistics: Valeo clutch parts on average “live” up to 150,000 kilometers, and the flywheel, with careful driving, can last forever.
Luk VS Valeo: comfort
Perhaps driver comfort when driving is one of the few parameters in which Luk and Valeo clutches have fundamental differences. However, this does not mean that someone relies on convenience, and someone sacrifices it for the sake of durability - both brands provide comfortable riding conditions, they are simply achieved in different ways.
Valeo initially creates such a soft and smooth ride of the car that people often call it “feminine”. However, you should not mistakenly believe that Valeo clutch systems are intended only for sedate city driving: the parts perfectly withstand a wide variety of weather, climate and road situations - largely due to the fact that they are developed taking into account the conditions in which they will be used.
The main distinguishing feature of Luk is the use of an additional damping element that dampens vibrations and vibrations of the clutch discs, thereby providing excellent control characteristics on any route and speed.
Conclusion: both are comfortable and reliable, but Valeo clutch systems still have higher smoothness and softness of movement.
Luk VS Valeo: operating features
Finally, the last (but by no means least important) parameter is how easily and quickly parts can be replaced, installed and maintained in technical condition. Overall, if you decide to buy a Valeo or Luk clutch, most likely your choice is to “set it and forget it” about the clutch system for the next 100,000 kilometers. Therefore, when making a comparison between two premium brands, perhaps only additional nuances are worth evaluating. Thus, complete with products, Valeo offers detailed instructions for installing spare parts in CD format with all relevant recommendations and manuals, as well as a special lubricant that helps prevent early seizing, wear and deformation of elements.
You can learn more about the brand and learn even more operational features and advantages of Valeo clutch systems here.
You can always select and buy a Valeo clutch kit in IXORA stores.
Our catalogs offer the widest selection of clutch kits and individual parts from all popular and reliable manufacturers, as well as other spare parts and accessories necessary for the smooth operation and care of your car. Our professional consultants will help you make the right choice! * Please check the applicability of parts specifically for your car with our managers by phone (calls within Russia are free).
| Manufacturer | vendor code | Name | Applicability* |
| Valeo | CSC01 | Hydraulic release bearing | CHEVROLET Evanda/Lacetti/Nubira 1.6/1.8/2.0 05-> |
| Valeo | DWK004 | Clutch kit, 200 mm | DAEWOO NEXIA 1.5 MPFI 03/95->/ESPERO 1.5 MPI 10/90-> |
| Valeo | DWK045 | Clutch kit, 215 mm, with hydraulic bearing | Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4-1.6 V16 04-> |
| Valeo | MTC09 | Clutch basket | MITSUBISHI LANCER III 1.8 4X4 01/87-12/90 |
| Valeo | DW07 | Clutch disc assembly | |
| Valeo | DWK029 | Clutch kit, 170 mm | DAEWOO MATIZ, CHEVROLET MATIZ 0.8/1.0 9/98-> |
| Valeo | HD133 | Clutch disc assembly | |
| Valeo | MTC31 | Clutch basket assembly | |
| Valeo | 803347 | Clutch disc | |
| Valeo | PRB32 | Clutch release bearing |
How to distinguish an original from a fake
Currently, in the Russian and Ukrainian automobile markets, if you don’t know, you can fall for counterfeit products, which will be many times worse in quality than the original. Of course, when purchasing a fake, you cannot demand that the clutch work as well as the original product. Therefore, we will tell you how to distinguish a fake from the original, because today you can stumble upon counterfeits even in trusted stores.
Catalog number corresponding to the original product: clutch suitable for Citroen and Peugeot vehicles
- First of all, it is exploitation. The original Valeo SS works softer than the fake, you will feel it right away. It is extremely reliable and is not afraid of overheating. In practice, the service life of the device is at least 100 thousand km.
- Production. The company's original products are manufactured in France. If a French manufacturer is indicated on the packaging, then there is no doubt that this is the original. Counterfeits on the Russian car market can be found from China, Korea, Russia, European countries, and so on. One way or another, the original products come to us from France.
- The original SS is sealed in a plastic bag, and in the package you can also find a bag with a special lubricating fluid for the splines of the original Valeo production. This is one of the main differences between the original and the fake - counterfeit manufacturers do not equip their products with lubricants.
- CD with instructions. This difference is the main one - the original packaging always includes a disk with instructions for installing the CC.
- Fake products have shinier metal than shown in the photo. “Shrubs” operate on one principle: the brighter and shinier the product, the more likely it is to be bought.
- Price. The average cost of an original today on the Russian car market is at least 2,300 rubles (700 hryvnia). If you find Valeo variants costing from 1,500 rubles, then rest assured that this is a fake.
- Different geometry of clutch disc elements is possible.
- Inscriptions. The original manufacturer has a stricter text font on SS. Counterfeit manufacturers can use more interesting fonts. Also, the lettering may be a little blurry.
Helpful information:
- Valeo clutch: trouble-free transmission operation
- Car clutch. Part 1: basic concepts, components and common faults
- Car clutch. Part 2: clutch disc
- Car clutch. Part 3: the cylinder - the little thing on which the foundations are based
- Car clutch. Part 4: clutch basket
- Car clutch. Part 5: clutch cable - a small but necessary part
You can get professional advice when selecting a product by calling 8 800 555-43-85 (calls within Russia are free).
