How much does a Clutch Replacement cost?

The cost of a clutch replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your clutch replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car below!

What does a Clutch do?

The clutch is a solid metal disc located between the engine and the transmission, it couples the crank shaft and flywheel to the gearbox's clutch shaft. The clutch enables the drive from the engine to be disconnected momentarily from the gearbox.

The clutch disc is simply put a 'friction' disc that, when engaged, presses against the flywheel (which is directly connected to the crankshaft) by way of the pressure plate. If disengaged the clutch disc does not press against the flywheel, which in turn means that no drive is transfered to the gearbox, allowing for a gearchange to be made.

How do you know there is something wrong with the Clutch?

• When the clutch slips whilst driving.
• When you cannot use the gearbox to change gear as usual.
• When the car does not move at all.
• When the transmission makes an unusual noise whilst engaging/disengaging the clutch.

When should you consider a Clutch replacement?

Clutches wear with use, past a certain point of wear the clutch will start to slip. The clutch disc is especially affected by wear, its thickness diminishes with time leading to a reduction of the amount of force the pressure plate can put on the clutch disc to force it against the flywheel.

Clutch slippage can also be caused by reduced tension in the pressure plate's springs. In most cases the clutch should last fairly long, only if the clutch has been used incorrectly over extended periods of time or after a lot of miles will problems with the clutch occur.

Maintaining and using the clutch in an appropriate way is therefore key to ensure a prolonged and unproblematic clutch lifespan. Always service the components of the clutch as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

What happens during a Clutch replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect and test the functionality of the clutch.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the clutch.
• Mechanic will first separate the gearbox from the engine.
• Mechanic will replace the clutch plate, cover and release bearing.
• Mechanic will advise if other components like the flywheel also need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will rejoin engine and gearbox.
• Mechanic will inspect the clutch and test drive the car.
• Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.