Why Is My Clutch Squeaking?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 28 days ago
5 min read
- Clutch
- Diagnostic
FixMyCar explains why your clutch might be squeaking and how to fix it.
Your clutch shouldn’t squeak. If it does, one of the parts is likely worn or lacks lubrication and may need replacing. This guide provides advice to help you work out what’s causing the noise and the best way to fix it.
Contents
Clutch squeaking common causes & symptoms
Why does my clutch pedal squeak when released?
Why does my clutch squeak at the biting point?
In a nutshell: A worn throw-out bearing is the most likely cause of a squeaking clutch. Other possibilities include a lack of lubrication and a worn pressure plate. A clutch replacement may be needed depending on the severity of the problem.
Clutch squeaking common causes and symptoms
You can often diagnose the cause of a squeaking noise by paying attention to when it happens and how long it lasts.
Momentary squeak when you depress the pedal - the clutch pivot may need a touch of grease for better lubrication.
Intermittent squeak while the pedal is depressed - the throw-out bearing seal may be leaking.
Continuous squeak while the pedal is depressed - the throw-out bearing may be worn.
What is a throw-out bearing?
The throw-out bearing (also known as the release bearing) temporarily disengages the engine from the wheels during gear changes. Like all bearings, it allows interaction between moving and stationary surfaces. It’s about the size of a doughnut, located between the moving clutch pressure plate and the stationary clutch fork (or, in newer vehicles, the hydraulic slave cylinder).
Learn more about how a clutch works.
Symptoms of throw-out bearing failure
Common signs of a bad throw-out bearing include:
Difficulty shifting gears
Unusual noises such as squeaking, squealing or rattling
Vibrating clutch pedal
Stiff clutch pedal
Why does my clutch pedal squeak when released?
A worn throw-out bearing can cause squeaking when the pedal is depressed and also when it’s released.
That said, there are some other possible explanations:
Lack of lubrication
Dry or worn pivot points
Worn clutch pedal mechanism
This is how long you can expect a clutch to last.
Why does my clutch squeak at the biting point?
If the squeaking only happens when the clutch pedal reaches the biting point, you might have a worn clutch plate. The noise will be closer to a squeal than a squeak and is caused by the rivets hitting the flywheel.
Other signs of a worn clutch plate include:
Here’s how to tell if you need a new clutch for your car.
How long can you drive with a squeaky clutch?
A squeaking noise on its own doesn’t present an immediate safety concern. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Ignoring the noise will lead to more wear and tear and could land you an expensive repair bill further down the line.
If the issue is the throw-out bearing, it will eventually seize up. The clutch will still work when this happens, but other components will quickly wear out.
You should avoid using your car if it has symptoms that make it difficult to control or behave unpredictably. There are some repairs you can delay, but never when it puts your safety at risk.
How to fix a squeaking clutch
The first step is to work out where the noise is coming from. The chances are, it’s a worn throw-out bearing. But it could be a few other things, as we covered earlier in this guide.
Unless you’re reasonably knowledgeable about car repairs and feel comfortable getting your hands dirty, it’s best to get help from a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the problem and offer advice about repairing it.
You can replace the throw-out bearing without replacing the clutch, but it’s usually recommended to do both at the same time. This is because the labour cost for doing the bearing isn’t much less than doing both together. They require similar work, so if the clutch looks a bit worn, it makes sense.
Find out if clutches are covered under warranty.
How much does it cost to fix a squeaking clutch?
The average price of a clutch repair booked through FixMyCar is £610.21. For a replacement, it’s £624.50. Find out how prices vary between manufacturers in this guide.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.