How Much Does A Clutch Replacement Cost?

How much does a clutch replacement cost in the UK?

A clutch replacement in the UK costs between £300 and £700, with some models exceeding £1,200.

If your clutch is slipping, hard to shift, or making noises, you may need a replacement. This guide covers costs, symptoms, and when to replace your clutch and flywheel.

Key takeaways

How much does a clutch replacement cost?

The average cost of a clutch replacement in the UK is £454.55.

However, prices can range from £300 to £900. Not all vehicles can be fitted with the same clutch, so prices may vary between different makes and models—and this also doesn’t factor in the total cost including labour.

A car clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission. Pressing the clutch pedal disengages it, allowing gear changes, while releasing it re-engages, enabling smooth power transfer to the wheels for driving.

Here’s a breakdown of clutch and flywheel replacement costs:

Car Make	Clutch Cost	Flywheel Cost	Labour Cost	Total Cost
Audi A3	£600–£800	£900–£1,100	£300–£500	£1,800+
BMW 3 Series	£650–£900	£950–£1,200	£350–£550	£1,900+
Ford Fiesta	£400–£600	£700–£850	£250–£450	£1,300+
Mercedes A Class	£700–£1,000	£1,000–£1,200	£400–£600	£2,000+
Volkswagen Polo	£550–£750	£850–£950	£300–£500	£1,700+

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Clutch replacement cost breakdown

As you can see above, clutch replacement costs vary a lot.

Alongside understanding how much a clutch replacement costs, it's important to understand where your money goes. Here's a breakdown of what's typically included in a clutch replacement fee:

Mechanic labour
Clutch kit
Oil, liquids, and small parts

Factors that affect a clutch replacement cost

Why do clutch replacement costs change so much? Here are the main factors that may affect the price of your repair.

Location — Prices vary by garage, influenced by demand and expertise. Fewer competitors can lead to higher costs.
Car Model — Rarer cars often cost more due to specialised knowledge; popular models are cheaper to fix.
Rear-wheel vs Front-wheel Drives — Rear-wheel drives are cheaper to repair; front-wheel drives take longer, increasing costs.
Car Age — Older cars may have higher costs due to parts being harder to find.

Signs you may need a clutch replacement

There are a number of factors that indicate your clutch might need repairing, these include:

High biting point (Clutch engages at the top of the pedal range)
Slipping clutch (RPM increases, but car doesn’t accelerate properly)
Burning smell (Overheated clutch material)
Difficulty changing gears (Clutch struggles to disengage)
Spongy or stiff clutch pedal (Hydraulic system or pressure plate issue)

If you're unsure or suspect your car may have one of these issues, it's highly recommended to ask how much is a new clutch and have an approved mechanic inspect it.

Ignoring the problem could put you and your passengers at risk and lead to more expensive repairs later.

What happens if you don’t replace a worn clutch?

If you don’t replace a worn clutch, it can lead to slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and eventual complete failure. This can make driving unsafe and cause more damage to your car, leading to a potentially more expensive new clutch cost in the future.

How long does it take to replace a clutch?

On average, replacing a clutch usually takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your car’s make and model.

Some cars may take longer if they’re harder to work on or more complicated in design, but a skilled mechanic can typically complete the job in a day.

How long should a clutch last?

A clutch should last upwards of 60,000 miles on a petrol car with good care and a considerate driving style.

There are certain things that will shorten the life of your clutch, such as:

Towing heavy loads
‘Dropping’ the clutch in order to launch the car from a standstill quickly
Holding the car on the clutch instead of using the brake, for example, on a hill in traffic
Riding the clutch pedal when driving - this can cause the clutch to slip very slightly, accelerating wear.

Can a clutch fail suddenly?

Yes, a clutch can fail suddenly, especially if worn down over time.

You might notice slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or strange noises leading up to the failure. If ignored, it could completely fail, leaving you stuck and facing expensive repairs.

What causes a clutch to burn out quickly?

A clutch can burn out quickly if it’s frequently slipped, such as when riding the pedal too much, towing heavy loads, or driving in stop-and-go traffic.

Poor driving habits or not replacing worn parts can also speed up wear. Drive carefully to keep your car in good health!

Is it cheaper to replace just the clutch or the flywheel too?

It’s usually cheaper to replace just the clutch, but if the flywheel is damaged or worn, it’s best to replace it too. Skipping the flywheel might save money upfront but could lead to bigger issues later.

The clutch interacts with other car components, so the flywheel and pressure plate may also need replacement. A flywheel is a heavy wheel attached to a rotating shaft connected to the engine, designed to smooth power delivery.

The rivets can damage the flywheel and pressure plate if the clutch is worn too much. However, if replaced early, the flywheel can often be reused, saving you on a clutch and flywheel replacement cost.

Can you replace a clutch without resurfacing the flywheel?

Yes and no. Whether you need to replace the flywheel depends on how worn the clutch is.

If the clutch was slipping for a while, the flywheel could be damaged. It's crucial to check the clutch early as soon as it feels worn or that it is slipping.

The takeaway

Hopefully, this article has helped you work out how much your clutch replacement will cost.

Clutch replacements are, unfortunately, part of owning a vehicle. While they keep your car healthy, they can significantly dent your bank account—especially if you need a last-minute replacement.

Learn more on the Bumper blog.

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