Clutch Repair

What does a clutch in a car do?

The main job of the clutch is to disconnect the gearbox from the engine, which is used for taking off and stopping and allows smooth changing through the gears.

This disconnects the spinning engine from the gearbox allowing the gearbox to slow down in speed and spin independently allowing you to move off, stop and change gear.

Lifting the clutch pedal slowly engages the clutch and spinning the engine together to cause drive to the wheels.

The clutch pedal is connected to the clutch system either by a cable or a hydraulic system although most cars now have a hydraulic system. This then usually moves a clutch fork to push the release bearing against the pressure plate, releasing the clutch friction plate and disconnecting the gearbox from the engine momentarily while changing gears.

If it uses a hydraulic system a lot of modern systems don't have a clutch fork and instead use a slave cylinder inside the gearbox that pushes against the clutch pressure plate instead. This is usually the most common point of failure as the concentric slave cylinder ends up leaking fluid and needing to be replaced. This will include removing the full gearbox to change and would be best to replace the clutch at the same time.

Is your clutch slipping?

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01296 688256

How can you tell if your clutch needs replacing?

1. Struggling to engage gears

The most obvious sign is that you are having trouble putting the car into gear. This could be just difficult shifting that isn't smooth or it could be at a point where it crunches getting into gear. This is a massive sign that you are having a lot of clutch slip and that it will need replacement soon.

2. Singing noise

‘Singing’ noise when pushing the clutch pedal down. This is another very common problem that we see within clutch systems where the release bearing begins to fail where it will almost make a singing sound that will change when operating the clutch pedal.

3. Slipping clutch

A slipping clutch is another sign that there is a problem within the system, this may also cause your engine to rev when accelerating but the car doesn't feel like it is moving anywhere and lacks power even though the RPM is high.

4. Spongy pedal

A spongy pedal is usually a sign that there is a hydraulic problem within the vehicle. This could be caused by a fluid leak from a joint or a failed master or slave cylinder. Typically on most modern vehicles the slave cylinder is located within the gearbox so is not a simple type of job anymore.

5. Pedal not returning

A clutch pedal that doesn't return from the floor is also another common issue caused by hydraulic problems where something isn't returning as it is designed to. Sometimes these issues can be very difficult to track down as they are intermittent issues.

6. Engine vibration

Engine vibration is also another common sign that there is a problem with your clutch system. Due to the torque output most diesels and even some petrol vehicles are equipped with a dual mass flywheel to prevent engine vibrations affecting the drive. These are common to fail, and will a lot of times cause quite a large vibration coming from the engine which may also change depending on the clutch position.

Is your clutch slipping?

Call our Garage near Leighton Buzzard for a FREE quote

01296 688256

Frequently asked questions

Are clutches expensive to replace?

Yes typically clutches are quite expensive to replace but it is essential to drive the car whilst changing gears smoothly and stopping and starting without problems.

The parts for a clutch kit can sometimes end up quite expensive, this typically depends on whether it has or needs a dual mass flywheel in it. If this component has failed then typically, the clutch kit can cost upwards of anywhere from £400. If it is just a clutch kit its typical costs range from £90 upwards depending on the vehicle. Although there are cheaper clutch kits on the market with it being such a labour-intensive job it is important to get a good quality part.

The other thing that makes a clutch expensive to change is the labour time involved. This is because it is normally very time-consuming to remove the gearbox and fit a new clutch kit, and is very important that it is done correctly.

Typical clutch replacements can range from anywhere from £400-£1000+ depending on what car it is.

How long does a typical clutch replacement take?

A typical clutch replacement can take anywhere from 3-8 hours and this largely depends on the gearbox size and what has to be removed to access it. Some smaller cars have a lot fewer things to remove to replace the clutch so this is why they are an easier job to take on.

What to expect after a clutch replacement?

After a clutch replacement usually the pedal will have a lot less resistance to push it in. This could be because, with the old worn-out clutch, the pedal was stiffer which most people just get used to. The pedal however should not feel spongy in any way or this is a sign that there is a hydraulic problem within the system, such as a fluid leak, or a failing clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder.

You also will have a slightly different clutch biting point. Although this may change slightly from where the worn-out clutch biting point was, the car should still change easily throughout the gears and should be able to change smoothly.

After how many miles should you replace a clutch?

Typically there is no set time that a clutch should last, this is because everyone drives slightly differently and drive different sort of miles, this will also depend on if you are doing a lot of motorway miles or a lot of town stop-start sort of traffic.

Where can I check my clutch fluid?

Typically most vehicles have a separate pot where you can check the clutch fluid level compared to what it should be. There is typically a minimum and maximum line on a clear pot so is a relatively simple check if you have a spongy clutch pedal. If it is empty there is a leak somewhere. On some vehicles, the clutch and brake system share the same pot for the fluid so may be more difficult to check and understand what the problem is.

Is clutch replacement covered under warranty? - No the clutch will not be covered under the warranty of the car as this is classed as a wear and tear item. In terms of clutch repairs, all repairs are covered by a 12000 or 12-month guarantee.