How Much Does A Clutch Replacement Cost in the UK?

If your car's clutch is slipping, chattering, or not engaging the way it should, it may need to be repaired or replaced. If experiencing clutch problems the first step is usually checking the clutch cable or clutch fluid level. More serious clutch problems may require replacing the clutch plate, pressure plate, or concentric slave cylinder/ throw-out bearing. A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose and repair your clutch problem.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

The average cost of replacing a clutch is £400, with prices ranging from £250 to £600. Depending on the size of the engine and the type of transmission, i.e. semi-automatic or manual transmission, the price can vary hence the exact price of a clutch replacement depends largely on your car and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends. The labour costs of the local area will also be a factor in the final cost to replace a clutch. Other costs to consider include gearbox oil and other small parts (if required) which may add on between £20 – £80 to the final cost.

Depending on whether you need the dual mass flywheel replaced, this can be an additional cost that’s added to the total cost of replacing the clutch. A flywheel replacement quote on ClickMechanic will automatically include a clutch replacement as well.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a clutch replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a clutch replacement.

Average cost of a clutch replacement by location

A clutch replacement can be quite expensive and is also one of the more complicated and lengthy repairs on a vehicle with manual transmission. To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a clutch replacement instead, we use real time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for clutch repairs and replacements and clutch part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a clutch replacement for your car.

Average cost of a clutch replacement by manufacturer

Signs your clutch needs to be replaced

• Slipping clutch - clutch doesn't engage properly
• Difficulty when changing gears
• Burning rubber smell due to clutch overheating
• Unusual noises such as squealing or rattling when clutch is pressed
• Vibrations or jerking when releasing the clutch
• Clutch pedal feels spongy
• Engine revs high, but the vehicle doesn't accelerate

Difficulty shifting gears

If the clutch is not working properly, it can be difficult to change gears. The clutch may not disengage correctly, which can make it hard to shift into the next gear.

Grinding or shaking when shifting gears

There is grinding or shaking when shifting gears when a clutch becomes faulty because the clutch is not disengaging properly. This can be caused by a number of things, including a faulty clutch cable or hydraulic system, a problem with the clutch itself, or a problem with the transmission.

Burning smell

This burning smell is caused when the clutch is “slipping”. ​​This can happen if the clutch is not properly adjusted, or if the clutch is worn out. If the clutch is slipping, it will cause the engine to rev up without the vehicle moving forward. This can cause the clutch to overheat and start to burn.

Car won't move when in gear

When the engine is running and the gears are engaged, but the wheels don't turn, then you've almost certainly got a clutch problem.

Frequently asked questions about clutch replacement cost

What does a clutch do?

A clutch is a device in a vehicle that is used to engage and disengage two shafts that are connected by gears. It is typically used in manual transmission and allows the driver to control the amount of torque that is transferred to the wheels.

What does a clutch kit consist of?

A clutch kit contains all the necessary components to replace a vehicle's clutch. This typically includes the pressure plate, clutch disc and throw-out bearing or concentric slave cylinder
.

How to extend the life of a clutch?

Some tips that may help extend the life of a clutch include:
- Avoiding sudden or hard acceleration
- Avoiding riding the clutch pedal
- Putting the vehicle into gear as smoothly as possible
- Having the clutch checked and adjusted regularly by a qualified mechanic

How long does a clutch replacement take?

On average, clutch replacement times can range from around 3 hours to over 8 hours with an average of around 4 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like the transmission type, 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.

Can I carry out a clutch replacement myself?

Replacing a clutch is a complex and labour-intensive job that requires a good deal of mechanical skill and auto repair knowledge along with specialised tools and equipment.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a clutch replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my clutch isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing problems with the clutch, it could be that the flywheel is worn out directly affecting clutch performance. Issues with the transmission itself, such as damaged gears, a worn synchromesh, or a failing transmission bearing, can manifest as clutch-related symptoms. Problems with other driveline components, such as the driveshaft, CV joints, or differential, can sometimes mimic clutch problems.

What happens during a clutch replacement?

A clutch replacement is a fairly complex job and a lot of the process to change a clutch is quite 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