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Clutch Replacement Explained

Clutch replacement is one of the most common repairs carried out by mechanics in the UK as the nature of the part means it will naturally degrade over time, regardless of how much care you take or precautions you put in place.

The rate of degradation will alter from car model to car model as each are designed differently with some cars having significantly superior parts.

However, the way somebody drives a car is a huge factor in how a clutch performs. We will go onto this in more detail further down the guide and will demonstrate what you should be doing to elongate the lifespan of your clutch.

What is a clutch?

The Clutch is the part of your car engine which is responsible for engaging and disengaging the power transmission.

It’s a vital part of an engine and is essentially there to connect two parts of the system that can’t make a car move unless they're connected. Clutches engage and disengage two rotating shafts which then allow your car to move.

When you press the clutch down and move your car into gear, you are connecting the two shafts and transitioning from one gear to the next.

Its an essential function which allows a car to move through gears effectively and efficiently.

Automatic cars have an in-built clutch which takes over the control of this interchange, this means that the car itself decides what gear you should be in depending on the driving conditions regardless of the driver.

What are the signs of a damaged clutch on a Ford?

There are a variety of signs to look out for when it comes to an underperforming clutch as the performance of your car will be noticeably effected as well as your ability to change gears.

Here are the most common issues which will be caused by a damaged clutch.

Slipping Clutch

Slipping is one of the most common clutch issues and can cause a drop in performance, as well as damage, if not diagnosed in time.

The things you need to watch out for are;

• Your car struggles to move forward while moving at a low speed in a high gear.
• Your car struggles to get up hills in a high gear
• Your car struggles to accelerate or finds it difficult to tow a trailer

The problem with a slipping clutch is that it will only get worse as time goes on. Slippage increases the heat generated in between the two shafts and the hotter this area becomes the less able it is to maintain its grip, therefore increasing the slippage. The greater the slippage the greater the heat generated.

So it’s clear to see that this is an issue that will only get worse if left without attention.

Clutch Chatter

Chattering occurs when the clutch is being used and a grabbing or jerking can be felt in the vehicle.

This problem is caused by the following internal clutch issues;

• A warped or grooved flywheel
• Missing flywheel dowel pins
• A worn piolet bearing/bushing
• A worn bearing retainer
• Worn or damaged clutch disc or input shaft splines
• Bent or broken drive straps
• A bent or distorted clutch disc
• A loose clutch cover
• Clutch linings becoming covered in oil grease or getting burned or glazed
Chatter can also be caused by other faults in the engine;
• Loose/broken engine or transmission mounts
• Misalignment of the chassis and drivetrain components
• Worn or damaged U-joints/CV joints
• A loose transmission cross member
• A worn or bent release fork
• A loose rear left spring brushing or spring U-bolt nuts

Clutch Noise

If you are hearing strange noises like growls or squeals, this can be another sign of a problem with a clutch, as vibrations within the part would cause such sounds.

If you hear any strange noises coming from your car, have it looked at immediately as a fault with your clutch could cause serious danger while you are driving.

How long will clutch replacement take on my Ford?

Replacing a clutch can take as little as a few hours or as longs as a few days depending on the car and garage.

Many cars will have easy access to the clutch and so replacing the part will be straightforward however others will be more complex and will need other parts removing before the mechanic can get to the clutch.

How much will a new clutch cost for my Ford?

Once more, a new clutch will cost different amounts depending on the car. You could be paying £250 or £600 from car to car or garage to garage, that is why it is so important to get a range of quotes from garages in your local area.

Fortunately replacing a clutch is one of the most common repair jobs carried out by mechanics in the UK which means you will be able to find a range of quotes from garages in your local area as it will be a job they are all well practiced in completing.

Finding a mechanic you can trust to do a good job and charge a fair price, is not always easy which is why we simplified the process.

We work with a network of over 14,038 mechanics and garages across the UK so we can find competitive clutch replacement deals for you.

To find the best clutch replacement available in your region;

1. Enter your car registration number
2. Give us a few details about your Ford and your requirements
3. We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from mechanics and garages in your area

You can then compare the quotes and read reviews from previous customers to find the best clutch replacement deal in your area, before booking the clutch replacement online.