How Much Does a Clutch Replacement Cost?

The clutch is an essential system on your car, and when it starts to fail, it can severely compromise drivability and eventually render the vehicle unable to move under its own power. If you drive a manual transmission car, then you already use your clutch every day without even thinking about it. So, if you are wondering about the clutch replacement cost, then something probably feels wrong. Maybe it has started to slip, or it’s making weird noises?

This article will give you some good pointers on how to identify when your clutch is on its last legs, as well as typical costs to get a new one fitted. We’ll also give you some good advice to make sure your new clutch last for the life of the vehicle.

How Does the Clutch Work?

The main job of the clutch is to disengage the power flow from the engine to the manual transmission. This is necessary when the engine and transmission are spinning at different speeds, for example when you switch gears or need to drive away from a standstill.

The clutch system is made up of several parts. The clutch plate or disc connects to the input shaft and spins with the transmission, and is sandwiched between the pressure plate and engine flywheel. It has friction material on both sides – think of it as something similar to brake pads – that allow it grip both surfaces, while allowing a certain degree of slip. The clutch pressure plate is essentially a diaphragm spring that bolts to the flywheel and always spins at the same speed as the engine.

When you are driving normally, the clutch is engaged. That means the pressure plate is pushing the clutch plate against the flywheel, and power flows from the engine to the wheels. When you press on the clutch pedal, the release bearing is pressed against the centre of the pressure plate. This pushes the diaphragm spring “fingers” inwards, which in turn pushes the outer edges of the pressure plate out, disengaging the clutch plate.

Bear in mind that automatic transmission cars don’t have a clutch, but rather a torque converter. Although it has a similar function, it works in a very different way to a normal clutch. Some modern “semi-automatic” transmissions, like Volkswagen’s DSG, actually use an electronically actuated double-clutch system. These shouldn’t normally need replacement.

When Do I Need a New Clutch?

Manufacturers don’t specify regular mileage or time intervals for clutch replacements. It’s one of those things that you only really need to replace when it’s worn out. Now, how long that will actually take varies greatly with how the car has been used. Worst case scenario, you may need a new clutch after less than 50,000 miles. Best case scenario, your clutch could last over 300,000 miles.

The main factors that shorten the lifespan of a clutch are:

• Regularly driving in heavy, stop-and-go traffic,

• Driving in hilly urban areas often,

• Frequently towing or carrying heavy loads,

• Aggressive driving (such as launching the car often),

• Being an inexperienced driver.

How To Tell If Your Clutch Needs Replacement

The telltale sign that your clutch is on its last legs is when it starts to slip. You can tell that the clutch is slipping when you press on the accelerator pedal and the engine RPMs go up, but the car doesn’t actually go any faster. This is easier to see when accelerating hard in a high gear, at the peak torque RPM of the engine, and is accompanied by a distinctive burning smell.

Many clutch-related problems don’t necessarily have to do with a worn-out clutch plate, but rather other parts of the clutch system. For example, if you hear a squealing noise only when the clutch pedal is depressed, this indicates a failing clutch release bearing. Unfortunately, replacing this bearing requires removing the transmission, so the clutch is usually replaced at the same time.

A clutch pedal that feels soft and spongy is usually a sign of air bubbles in the hydraulic circuit, and the fluid will need bleeding. You may also experience difficulty or a grinding noise when changing gears, which can be caused by faulty master or slave clutch cylinders, a bad release bearing, or bad hydraulic fluid. It could also be a problem with the transmission itself, namely the synchroniser rings.

How Much for a New Clutch?

As with everything, the price for a clutch replacement job will depend on various things, such as:

• Type of clutch and flywheel your vehicle uses,

• Quality of parts you choose to install (whether they are OEM or aftermarket),

• Labour rates for the shop that does the work (whether it’s a dealer or independent shop),

• Associated repairs that may be necessary at the same time.

Clutch Replacement Cost Breakdown

Most manufacturers offer the clutch as a kit containing the clutch plate, pressure plate, and release bearing, so these components are almost always replaced at the same time. The price for the clutch kit will range between £150 and £400 for most popular cars.

A standard clutch replacement will likely be around 4 to 8 hours of labour. Assuming a rate of £65 per hour for an independent shop, that would come out around £250 to £500 for your mechanic’s time.

Additional services might also add to the total cost. For example, if your single-mass flywheel needs resurfacing, that could add another £100 or so to the repair bill. If the flywheel is too worn or damaged to be reused, you may be looking at an additional £200 to £300 for a new one. However, if you have a dual-mass flywheel (DMF), most manufacturers recommend that you replace it at the same time as the clutch. It’s considerably more expensive than a single-mass flywheel, usually around £500. If the flywheel has to come out for whatever reason, make sure the input shaft pilot bearing is also replaced. This is a very inexpensive part, and the extra labour to replace it is negligible.

All in all, the total cost for the job can be anything from £400 to over £1,200. For the vast majority of popular cars, though, this will probably fall somewhere in the £500 to £800 range. If the cost to replace a very worn clutch approaches or exceeds the resale value of the vehicle, sometimes it can make financial sense to sell a damaged car instead.

How To Extend the Life of Your Clutch

The durability of the clutch system is directly influenced by how well you, as the driver, look after it. You can greatly prolong the life of your clutch by adjusting your driving style, adopting good driving habits, and getting rid of the bad ones.

Here are a few expert tips to get the most out of your clutch:

• Don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal. Applying light pressure on the clutch pedal is called “riding” the clutch, and it’s one of the most damaging things you can do to your car. It puts the clutch in a partial state of engagement, in which it is neither fully released nor fully engaged. This wears away the clutch and generates a lot of heat. Whenever you are not actively using the clutch, make sure to rest your foot in the aptly named footrest, and never on the pedal.

• Switch into neutral on longer stops. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch release bearing is pressed against the pressure plate, generating friction and wear on these components. If you are going to be stopped for an extended period of time (such as in a red light), don’t keep the clutch pedal pressed in; put the transmission in neutral instead.

• Use the handbrake as an assist when driving up a steep hill from a standstill. This will reduce the time your clutch spends slipping, and therefore, minimize wear.

• Avoid stop-and-go traffic. Nobody likes traffic, and your clutch is no different. Starting and stopping the car repeatedly will put a lot of strain on the clutch system. Avoid being on the road during rush hour, if at all possible, or choose routes where traffic moves at a steady flow – even if it takes a little bit longer to reach your destination.

Conclusion

Like almost everything, clutch replacement costs vary a lot depending on several factors. While it’s always a relatively tough job, it’s more straightforward and cheaper on small cars. However, higher-end cars with fancy DMFs can result in a much higher repair bill. That’s the price you pay for the additional refinement you get from driving these vehicles.

Compare the information in this article with the quotes you receive from a few reputable shops, and do some research for your specific vehicle. That will let you know if you are paying a fair price for your next clutch replacement. In the end, the number one thing that can prolong the life of your clutch are you driving habits. Follow our advice to make sure your next one last forever – and you will never have to worry about costly clutch replacements again.