In a manual transmission car, the clutch connects the engine, gearbox, and wheels. You can't drive your car without a functioning clutch, which can leave you stuck in one place (and with a big potential bill). 

Knowing bad clutch symptoms is critical so you can catch problems early. A clutch can start to fail in many ways, including issues with bearings, hydraulics and more.  

Read on to learn all about clutch faults and slave cylinder problems, as well as how to recognise the symptoms of a failing clutch before it's too late, and you have to bear the cost of a replacement clutch.  

Get started by scrolling now. 

What is a clutch?  

A clutch is any device that transfers power from a source to a transmission or drivetrain. In a car, it connects the engine to the gearbox, enabling the car to drive.  

It’s composed of several different parts and often differs between cars. The one constant is three components: the ‘pressure plate’, ‘flywheel’, and ‘friction plate’. A system also needs to be present to actuate it.   

For more information about how clutches in manual and automatic cars work, check out our article here. 

Bad clutch symptoms you need to know 

If you suspect there’s something wrong with your clutch, you need to get it to the garage quickly. However, worn clutch symptoms aren’t always obvious.  

Here are some signs of a bad clutch that all drivers need to know: 

1. Spongey pedals 

A failing clutch can feel spongy when you press it. So, if your clutch suddenly feels wrong, you might have a problem. 

2. Difficulty changing gears 

Shifting through the gears should be effortless and smooth. Sudden juddering, grinding, or general difficulty switching gears is a red flag. 

3. Biting point feels higher 

Knowing where the biting point is becomes intuitive after driving for a long time. This should remain at the same place where the clutch plates meet. If it’s suddenly higher, something has changed. 

4. Burning smell 

Burning smells are never a good sign. If you can trace the burning smell to your clutch or notice a stronger smell when changing gears, it points to a clutch problem. 

5. Visible signs 

Most signs that you have a bad clutch are through movement and smells. But it’s worth visually inspecting your clutch. Fine black dust and general wear and tear are indicators that your clutch is too worn. 

How long does a clutch last?   

Clutches will last upwards of 80,000 miles provided the car has been well cared for and its drivers have been sensible. The way you drive can have an impact on how long a clutch lasts. 

How to make your clutch last longer  

You can make your clutch last longer by not ‘riding’ it, avoiding holding the biting point for too long, and leaving it in neutral while parked. Your handbrake is your best friend! 

If you build these habits into your driving routine, you’ll prolong the life of your clutch and avoid hefty repair bills. 

What are common clutch faults?  

We’ve recapped the signs of a bad clutch, but what are the faults causing these symptoms? 

Due to the system's complexity, there are a few ways in which the clutch can fail. Below are some typical reasons a clutch fails:

1. Worn out or slipping clutch plate  

Integral to any clutch is a friction surface, similar to a brake pad, but working oppositely. The clutch plate is forced against the engine's flywheel to transfer power to the drivetrain.  

Just like when a brake pad wears out, if the friction material has been worn away, the clutch plate will not grip the flywheel properly and will slip.  

Symptoms of a worn clutch:  

• Engine revs increase without the car accelerating, particularly on hills  
• The bite point on the clutch pedal is very high  
• Gears are difficult to select  
• Gearbox crunches or jolts when a gear is selected  

When to fix a worn clutch  

Depending on your driving style, the signs of a worn clutch may become apparent quite a long time before the clutch needs replacing. If you notice the clutch slipping in normal use, i.e., when accelerating on flat ground with little load, the clutch needs to be replaced.  

A high clutch pedal can indicate the clutch plate is wearing out, but in some cars, it can mean the clutch just needs adjusting. It’s best to take the car to a trusted garage and get them to check.  

If you leave a slipping clutch too long, the clutch plate bolts can start contacting the flywheel. This will require a new flywheel, which can easily double the clutch repair cost.  

Expensive car repairs can be worrying. With Bumper, you can split the costs of your car repair into interest-free monthly instalments. 

2. Clutch throwout bearing  

Because the clutch plate is spinning but still needs to be pressed against the flywheel, a bearing is used on the end of a lever. The lever is often called the clutch fork, and the bearing is a ‘Throwout bearing’.   

Bearings wear out through normal usage. Instead of a silent, smooth operation, the surfaces become worn and make noise when spinning. The throwout bearing is no different, but it only makes noise when the clutch pedal is pressed.   

Symptoms of a bad clutch throwout bearing  

• Whining or scraping noise when the clutch pedal is depressed  
• No noise when the clutch is engaged (with pedal not depressed)  
• Rumbling feeling through the clutch pedal  

When to change a bad throwout bearing  

Replacement clutch bearings can cost £300-£600. It is usually better to change the clutch plate, too, and vice versa.   

This is because most of the work is involved in removing the gearbox. Once that’s off, changing the clutch plate will only add £50 or so, and it will remove the need to pay to remove the gearbox again in the future.  

3. Clutch master cylinder fault  

It takes considerable force to operate the clutch fork and disengage the clutch plate from the flywheel. A hydraulic system is used to enable a person to do this easily.   

The clutch pedal is attached to the master cylinder, this creates pressure in the oil lines, operating the slave cylinder, in a similar way to a car's brakes.   

For this hydraulic system to work effectively, there are many seals in both the slave and master cylinders that need to withstand the high-pressure oil. If one of these fails, the clutch will not operate.  

Bad clutch slave cylinder symptoms 

• Very heavy or light clutch pedal  
• Ineffective clutch pedal  
• Oil dripping from under the car  
• Hydraulic oil level low (often shared with brake fluid)  
• The clutch pedal sticking at bottom of the travel  

When to fix a clutch master cylinder  

Symptoms of a bad slave cylinder can come on suddenly and give very little notice. This means it’s imperative to get any issues looked at straight away, as they could render the car immobile quite easily.   

Typical repair costs for clutch hydraulics depend heavily on which cylinder is at fault. Because the slave cylinder is inside the clutch housing, the gearbox must be removed.   

It’s recommended that you change the clutch plate and the slave cylinder, which could cost between £400 and £ 500 in total. 

Why is my clutch rattling and juddering?  

A few components inside the clutch system could cause a rattling sound. These include the main clutch bearing, loose clutch fork, or a  faulty DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel). DMF issues are more commonly found in diesel-engined vehicles, which can cause a knocking sound and a vibrating feel through the clutch pedal.  

Many of these issues are challenging to diagnose without removing and inspecting the gearbox. Book in with your local garage for a personalised assessment. 

How much is a clutch replacement? 

The cost of a clutch replacement can cost anywhere from £400 to £1,2000, depending on your car model and the specific clutch issue.  

Other factors that affect the price of a clutch replacement include the mechanic labour time, oils, liquids, small car parts, and clutch kits.  

Prices also change depending on your location, whether you have a front or rear-wheel drive, and your car’s age. 

Read an in-depth guide to clutch replacement costs now. 

When to call an expert for bad clutch symptoms 

An issue with your clutch can easily ruin your day by rendering your car immobile. If any of the symptoms mentioned above are present, it’s best to have the car inspected as soon as possible.   

Spread the cost of your clutch replacement with Bumper at no extra cost. To apply for a credit limit and see dependable garages in your area, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on our website.  

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.