Smart/MCC Clutch replacement made easy

A lot of the process to change a clutch is vehicle specific, however there are a few standard steps. The mechanic will:

• Raise the vehicle
• Split the gearbox from the engine
• Remove the old clutch unit
• Fit a new clutch kit
• Put everything back together
• Road test the vehicle

If you drive a vehicle with a manual gearbox, at some point you will experience a clutch starting to wear, the same as you will with brake pads.

The friction material will start to wear thin and it will no longer provide sufficient contact with the flywheel and you will experience the clutch slipping, so here are some tell tale signs of this occurring;

• The engine speed will rise up rapidly, but you do not go any faster, especially up hill or under hard acceleration
• You notice an almost electrical sweet burning smell inside the car

Other symptoms though are prevalent

• You can engage a gear when the engine is off, but not when it is running
• The clutch pedal biting point (this is the point when you feel the vehicle moving from stationary for example) has become much higher up in the pedal travel
• You start to find it harder to move between gears and can often hear a crunch as you do so

On average, clutch replacement times can range from around 3 hours to over 7.5 hours with an average of around 4 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

A vehicle with a manual gearbox is likely going to need a clutch replacement at least once in its lifetime. If you start to experience any of the above symptoms, you are going to have to get the clutch replaced.

This is one area where your driving style and habits can indeed have a considerable effect on the components. By driving with mechanical empathy, not riding the clutch (leaving your foot resting on the pedal), not deliberately slipping the clutch to hold the vehicle on an incline and not using too high engine revs to pull away from a standstill are all ways to extend the life of the friction material.

You can find out whether you need a new clutch by getting a professional diagnosis from a mechanic. If you're unsure whether it needs replacing book an inspection with a mechanic to check the component and get advice on whether a replacement is needed.

The average life of a clutch will depend on a number of factors including how you use your clutch and the quality of the part. Generally you can expect the clutch to last around 60,000 miles.

Prices for a clutch cable replacement range from £70 to £130 with an average cost of £95. Ultimately, the cost of a clutch cable replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement.

A clutch will usually last around 60,000 miles. This does depend on a number of factors, primarily your driving style, what kind of traffic you mostly drive in and the quality off the clutch part fitted.

If you attempt to change gears without using the clutch, the gear teeth will grind together and damage the gearbox. Doing this repeatedly can end up damaging or even destroy the transmission.

Clutches can be repaired depending on type of damage, but it is often more expensive to repair a clutch than it is to replace it. Sometimes, you may just need to replace the clutch cable and not the whole part. A qualified mechanic can inspect and offer guidance accordingly.

Yes, many local garages are able to offer collection and delivery for a clutch replacement on your Smart/MCC. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a clutch replacement on your Smart/MCC.

Typically no, mobile mechanics cannot do a clutch replacement at your home or office on your Smart/MCC, because the repair job can be complicated, may need many hours of work depending on the job and may need specialist equipment. However, mobile mechanics may be able to do a clutch inspection at your home or office on your Smart/MCC and then drive the car to a garage if available to conduct a clutch replacement.