What is the Clutch

The Clutch is the hardest working component in any vehicle; whether that be in an automatic or manual car. The clutch transmits power from the engine to the gearbox, it allows the changing of gears by isolating the engine. Clutch replacement is unavoidable overtime, however few of us know what actually happens when your clutch is replaced.

Get Clutch Replacement Quotes Here

Although the break down of the clutch is inevitable, certain things can accelerate its wear. Anything that increases load or weight on the clutch will speed up the wearing down process.

The way that you drive massively affects the clutch’s condition. For example, ‘riding the clutch’ is an infamous way of driving which grinds it down quicker.

How to Tell if your Clutch is Going

Symptoms of a faulty or worn-down clutch include:

Spongy / Sticking / Vibrating / Loose Pedals

Squeaking or grumbling noise when clutch pedal pressed

Poor acceleration

Difficulty changing gear

Slipping clutch – unexpected increases in revs or momentary losses of acceleration

Bite points are higher than ever before

What Actually Happens when your Clutch is Replaced

Clutch replacement can take as little as 2-3 hours, but on average the total job time sits at around 5 hours.

The first part of the process is the removal of the old clutch. Firstly, the positive cable that goes into your battery (at the negative battery terminal) is unhooked.

The front end of your vehicle is raised, your engine stabilised and most or all of the engine mounts undone.

The driveshaft is then taken off and the clutch linkage disengaged so that the cables are all now disconnected.

The mechanic will also disconnect the speedometer cable at this point and unfasten the starter motor from the engine housing. Whilst disconnecting all the electrical wires and connections on the engine housing.

A jack will normally be placed under the transmission to place a level of pressure underneath it.

All bolts on the transmission are removed to release the transmission from its mount.

Slide the transmission out of place to gain access to the clutch.

The bolts around the pressure plate are removed, then the plate and clutch disc are removed.

At this stage the mechanic will check that there has been no leakage before installing a new seal.

The crankshaft flange is then cleaned, the flywheel inserted, and a torque is used to secure its place and tighten the bolts.

The clutch disc, pressure plate and the release bearing are inserted back into the vehicle.

Following that, the mechanic will move the transaxle into the correct place, along with ensuring the shaft goes into the appropriate opening on the clutch disc.

Lastly, all the bolts that have been removed must be reinstalled and a test is performed to confirm that the new clutch is working properly.

Clutch replacement through WhoCanFixMyCar

Clutch cost varies depending on several factors. Nevertheless booking your clutch replacement via WhoCanFixMyCar saves drivers an average of £171. Read more about Clutch Replacement costs across the UK in our guide.

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