Abstract: A self-adjusting device for controlling the clearance (C), especially in the radial direction, between rotating and stationary components of a thermally loaded turbo machine, changes clearance (C) in a linear and/or non-linear way during transition of the machine between standstill and steady-state operation. Simple and effective control can be achieved, even in the case of a nonlinear variation of the clearance during transitional operation, by the self-adjusting device including at least two different driving elements (A, B) to move the rotating and fixed components relative to each other in order to change the clearance (C) between them, and by the different driving elements (A, B) being configured to be activated at different times during the transition of the machine.