The Ultimate Guide to Clutch Repairs

Ellie Dyer-Brown, 6 days ago

5 min read

  • Clutch
  • Repair
Clutch components laid out on a bench.

WhoCanFixMyCar discusses everything you need to know about clutch repairs.

Clutch failure is the worst nightmare of many motorists, who understandably worry about the cost of a replacement. Unfortunately, most of the time, the only way to repair a clutch is to replace it.

The exception to this rule is when the clutch is misaligned - if this problem is caught early enough, it can be fixed without needing to fit a new one.

Contents

What is the clutch in a car?

How can you tell if your clutch needs repairing?

How can you tell if your clutch needs to be replaced?

How much will a clutch repair cost?

How long does a clutch repair take?

What can I do to extend the life of my clutch?

FAQs


What is the clutch in a car?

The clutch connects the engine to the wheels, allowing them to lock and spin together or separately so that you can change gears. This guide explains the role of a clutch in more detail.

clutch

You can expect your clutch to last at least 60,000 miles, but this figure will vary depending on how and where you drive.


How can you tell if your clutch needs repairing?

When a clutch starts to fail, there are always symptoms, which makes it easier to catch the problem in its early stages.

My clutch is slipping

Slipping is one of the most common clutch issues. If not diagnosed in time, it can cause a drop in performance and further damage.

Watch out for:

Learn more about how to identify clutch slipping and why it happens in this guide.

My clutch is chattering

Clutch chatter refers to the initial shudder when a faulty or worn clutch engages and can be caused by the following internal clutch issues:

  • A warped or grooved flywheel

  • Missing flywheel dowel pins

  • A worn pilot bearing/bushing

  • A worn bearing retainer

  • Bent or broken drive straps

  • A bent or distorted clutch disc

  • A loose clutch cover

  • Clutch linings becoming covered in oil grease or getting burnt or glazed

My clutch is making unusual noises

Strange noises like grumbling, grinding or squealing often accompany clutch problems, though they are unlikely to be the only symptom you experience.

I’ve noticed a burning smell

If you notice a burning smell coming from the cabin, it could be a sign that your clutch is overheating due to a worn clutch plate. This issue is often caused by riding the clutch, and stop-start driving in slow-moving traffic can make it worse.

My car is struggling to shift gears

If your car struggles to shift gears, it could be an indication that your clutch is worn. You might also notice a grinding noise when attempting to change gears.


How can you tell if your clutch needs to be replaced?

Clutch slipping is often the most noticeable sign that you need to book a replacement, but any of the symptoms listed above indicate that the part is worn and needs to be checked by a mechanic.

What happens when your clutch is replaced?

Replacing a clutch is a lengthy process, so it's often expensive. This guide explains exactly what's involved.


How much will a clutch repair cost?

The average quote for clutch repair is £610.17 when booked with WhoCanFixMyCar. You can find the average price for different manufacturers below.

Average Cost of Clutch Repair by Manufacturer
Audi£733.23
BMW£513.99
Citroen£636.38
Ford£576.70
Mercedes£855.68
MINI£667.13
Nissan£549.02
Peugeot£612.79
Renault£727.61
Toyota£631.14
Vauxhall£634.55
Volkswagen£637.73
Volvo£689.09

How long does a clutch repair take?

A repair, which involves replacing the clutch components, will usually take two to six hours.

A mechanic holding clutch components in front of engine

What can I do to extend the life of my clutch?

You can extend the life of your clutch by avoiding certain driving practices, including:

  • Riding the clutch

  • Overloading the car

  • Downshifting each time you need to slow down


Frequently asked questions

How can I test the clutch on a used car?

You can do a simple test to see whether the clutch is in good condition on a used car, which is particularly important if you’re considering purchasing it.

While the engine is off, press down the clutch pedal as far as it will go before releasing it. If your clutch is in good condition, the pedal should spring back, and you should be able to feel some resistance as you press down on it again.

If you notice that the clutch pedal gets stuck, judders, or feels spongy, it could indicate that the clutch is worn out.

Is the clutch checked in an MOT?

Some areas of a vehicle that aren’t checked during an MOT include the clutch, gearbox and the engine (except mountings). The reason for this is because they are not viewed as a safety risk if they fail; you can still use your brakes and pull over.

Is the clutch checked in a service?

Yes - the clutch is one of the many components that will be checked during your car service, and this applies to both a full service and an interim service. Check out this guide to find out about the differences between the two.

What is a dual clutch?

A dual-clutch transmission is an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that uses two separate clutches to shift between odd and even gears. With a dual-clutch, the transmission uses two clutches to' preload the next gear before shifting gears.

An Automated Manual Transmission is exactly what it says on the tin—this transmission type allows the driver to choose whether to control the gear shifting or leave it to the vehicle’s internal computer to select the appropriate gears for them.

What does a high clutch mean?

The ‘biting point’ is when your clutch and engine plates move closer together as you lift your foot off the clutch pedal.

When someone says you have a high clutch, it means the biting point is very high, indicating that the clutch is worn and may soon need replacing.

Can you adjust a clutch biting point?

A high clutch biting point is often a sign of a worn-out clutch. However, it could also mean that the clutch plates need adjusting or, in some cars, that the cable from the pedal to the clutch needs tightening.

Every car has a slightly different biting point; if you notice yours has changed, it's worth checking whether your clutch has an issue.

Is my clutch about to break?

Any of the warning signs discussed in this guide should warrant further investigation. The longer you ignore an issue, the worse it will get.


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