How Much Does a Clutch Replacement Cost?

The clutch system is an important part of a car that runs on a manual transmission.

It is fundamental in controlling the gear changes of the car – making it vital to the smooth running of your vehicle.

Over time, the clutch can wear out and issues may arise. In which case a clutch replacement is required.

The price of a clutch replacement in the UK will vary depending on several factors, including the vehicle make and the clutch parts required.

What Is a Clutch?

Before we look at the average pricing of a clutch replacement, it may be worthwhile to recap what a clutch actually is.

In its basic form, the clutch is a mechanical component which helps to disconnect plates which are both rotating.

For vehicles, what this means is the clutch allows the driver to separate the engine and the transmission temporarily, giving you the ability to change gears – either moving up or down.

The 5 key parts of a clutch include the following:

• Driven plate
• Cover plate
• Pressure plate
• Diaphragm spring
• Release bearing

Signs Your Clutch Need Replaced

Through usage and general wear and tear, the clutch on a vehicle over time may begin to not function as optimally as it should. In extreme cases it can even fail completely.

There are some early signs that you can look out for which will indicate that the clutch on your car is beginning to fail.
These include the following:

• Clutch slipping
• Clutch pedal feeling ‘spongy’ or ‘sticky’
• Unusual noises being produced when the clutch pedal is pressed down
• Difficulty in moving through the gears when the clutch pedal is engaged
• Not accelerating smoothly or easily even though the engine is revving

If you come across any of these issues when you are driving, don’t ignore them.

Have the car checked over by a mechanic at your local garage.

They will be able to inspect the vehicle and diagnose the problem – offering advice on whether a clutch replacement is required.

Average Cost To Replace Clutch By Car Manufacturer

The price to replace a clutch varies based on the vehicle manufacturer and the model.

Here is the average price of a clutch replacement, grouped by some of the most popular car manufacturers on the road today.

Source: Fixmycar (September, 2024)

How To Extend Clutch Lifespan

The average clutch should last around 80,000 miles before it becomes worn out.

However, this can vary depending on how you drive the car.

To ensure that you keep your clutch in a good condition for as long as possible, there are some best practices that you should adhere to:

• Remove your foot completely from the clutch pedal when you do not need to use it. Even slight pressure on the pedal will engage the clutch partially and can lead to the different components of the clutch overheating through too much use.
• Put the transmission into neutral when you park. This will engage the clutch without pressure from the gears.
• Do not ‘hold’ the car when you are on hills. If you are on a hill, use your brake and then engage the handbrake to keep your car still when waiting on a hill.

Clutch Replacement – How It Works

The process for replacing a clutch most commonly involves the following steps:

• The vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
• The car battery is disconnected to prevent electrical issues during the repair.
• The vehicle is raised securely using a jack and axle stands.
• The transmission is removed, with any fluid drained and cleaned as necessary.
• Electrical cables and connectors attached to the transmission are disconnected.
• A transmission jack is used to separate the transmission from the engine housing and lower it to the ground safely.
• The old clutch components — including the pressure plate, clutch disc, bolts, flywheel, bearings, and others — are removed.
• A new clutch and associated parts are then installed, reversing the removal process carefully.
• Fluids are topped up, and the system is checked thoroughly for any leaks.

After fitting the new clutch, a slow-speed test drive is carried out to confirm that the repair has been successful and that the vehicle is operating smoothly.

Do EVs Have a Clutch

No, electric cars use an automatic transmission which means they do not need to have a clutch.

As they are powered by an electric motor, the power and the speed is a constant. This means they do not require to change gears.

Rather than a gearbox, EVs make use of one or two motors. The amount of electricity that is sent to these motors helps to determine the speed at which the car travels.