Clutch Replacement

Every clutch wears out eventually, and how long it lasts depends far more on how and where the car is driven than on the mileage. We carry out clutch replacement and clutch repairs on almost every make and model, and we check the whole system so the new clutch has everything it needs to last.

The most common sign is slipping. The engine revs rise but the car does not pick up speed to match, especially in higher gears or going uphill. You may also notice the biting point moving higher up the pedal, juddering as you pull away, a heavy or spongy pedal, a burning smell after a hill start, or trouble getting into gear. A noise that changes when you press or release the pedal often points to the release bearing.

A clutch replacement means taking the gearbox off, so we fit a complete clutch kit rather than a single part. That is the clutch plate, the pressure plate, and the release bearing, or the concentric slave cylinder on cars that use one.

With the gearbox off, we check the flywheel. Many modern cars have a dual mass flywheel, which wears too and can cause rattles and vibration at idle. If yours needs replacing, we tell you and price it before going ahead, because fitting a new clutch against a worn flywheel shortens its life.

A lot of clutch problems are not the clutch at all. A leaking clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder can leave you with a pedal that sinks, sticks to the floor, or will not let you select a gear. We check the hydraulics and the fluid as part of the job, and we can replace the master or slave cylinder on its own where that is the real fault.

The biggest factor is how much has to come off to reach the gearbox. A small front wheel drive car is far quicker to work on than a four wheel drive or a car with a tight engine bay. The type of clutch matters too, as does whether the flywheel needs replacing at the same time. We give you a clear quote once we know the car, and if we find anything else, we call you before doing any extra work.