Test and repair car clutch
The car clutch is something that you use extensively while driving. So you need to make sure that it is in good working condition. Although the clutch normally lasts for an average of 5 years, the actual lifetime of your car’s clutch really depends on the way you drive and the journeys you make. Using your clutch to move the car from a stationary position wears it out more. Therefore driving in the city where you will have to stop like a hundred times because of traffic will wear out the clutch more than driving on motorways.
How can I test my car clutch to see if it’s damaged / faulty or worn out?
If you want to test the clutch in your car, you need to bring your car on a level road where it will not move even when you have your handbrake down. Now make sure you have your handbrake on and switch on your engine. Change to the fourth gear (or fifth if you have) and start releasing the clutch while giving the car more gas ie depressing the gas pedal. If your car engine does not stall or your car moves, your clutch needs replacing!
Below are other symptoms and signs of a bad clutch:
- Having difficulty changing or putting your car into gears
- Hearing a crunching noise when you try to depress the clutch
- Car shaking and vibrating when moving off
- Sensing a burning smell
- Vehicle not picking speed as it would normally do when gas pedal is depressed
Where can I repair my car clutch
Car clutch repairs can be done by yourself with some DIY tools and products if you are having clutch problems but you should only do that if you’re confident you’ll be able to do it properly. Otherwise, it is best to go to a garage and have a mechanic repair it for you. A good place to go for a free clutch check is MrClutch where you can also get your clutch repaired for a fee or buy new car clutches.
How much does a clutch cost
A new clutch can cost you about £105 including VAT from Edworthy's and replacing your clutch can take up to 5 hours, so your final bill will be much higher because of the amount of labour involved. Sometimes only a little tweaking needs to be done to your clutch and with a simple adjustment (a 5 min job) your clutch problems may be solved. Just bear in mind that the symptoms of a bad clutch can mean either you need a new clutch or a clutch adjustment.
How to effectively use the car clutch to make it last longer
The reason why clutches wear out quicker than it is supposed to is because of bad driving habits. So to make maximum use of your clutch, you should not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving or leave the car in gear when stopping at traffic lights. You should also use the clutch for the shortest time that you can and not any longer than that at all times.
19 Replies
i have a 2002 ford mustang gt,,,and when i press on the clutch it makes a noise like airs going out or somthin like that \
[Migrated from previous topic 12507 dated 23 Jan 2013]
clutch soft car will not go into gear when turned on. But will go into gear when turned off?
[Migrated from previous topic 12530 dated 10 Apr 2013]
Mass flywheel replaced
Hiya had a few problems with my ford mondeo it's a 2004 tdi, had an MOT which cost me over 500 quid to repair the fuel pipes and other bits then not even two weeks later the clutch went...or so I thought!
When I got it to the garage they told me the problem was caused by a valve which had blown and it would be nearly 900 quid to repair as they needed to change the flywheel as well!!! I was not impressed and got it taken somewhere else as to be honest, they had tried to tell me that the gearbox was a bit noisy and I should look at a new car before the MOT given that they were a car sales!!
Anyway I eventually got the job done for a lot cheaper but since they did it and replaced the clutch, the clutch makes a low rumbling sound until it is depressed and then it stops...now i'm being told it is probably the release lever or a bearing...shouldn't they have done this when they replaced the valve the clutch and the flywheel?
It now sounds terrible when driving and worse than before!
[Migrated from previous topic 12479 dated 06 Sep 2012]
Seems like they did an awful job and wanted to get more money from you.
You should report them!
[Migrated from previous post 1913 dated 10 Sep 2012]
Can a mechanic tell why my clutch got burnt or broken?
When a car clutch gets burnt or broken, can the mechanic tell if it was burnt because a driver rested their foot on it unnecessarily or was it just faulty? This is a 22 month old car.
Thanks in advance, regards
[Migrated from previous topic 10195 dated 27 Aug 2008]
Inappropriate and excessive use of the car clutch in a short period of time may result in it being burnt and so can a faulty clutch. A mechanic should be able to tell you if your clutch got burnt by looking at it. However it is very difficult to say whether the burning was caused by a faulty clutch or excessive use.
Bad driving habits cause car clutches to wear out quicker and some people need to replace theirs every year because of that. What happened to yours? Did your car clutch stop working overnight?
[Migrated from previous post 48 dated 28 Aug 2008]
Quote for new clutch on Citroen C1 Vibe
I just got a quote for a new clutch for a Citroen C1 Vibe from my dealership. £620!!! I couldn't believe it. I think I'd rather run it into the ground first to get my value.
[Migrated from previous topic 10322 dated 05 Feb 2009]
That's a lot of money. Was there anything else which was damaged in the car? My friend just replaced his clutch on a Ford Focus and had to pay £500 in total. Bearing in mind that a clutch only costs around £110, this is quite a lot of money. However the mechanic said some pipe has burnt with the clutch and needed replacing as well.
Have you had clutch replacement quotes from other garages as well?
[Migrated from previous post 156 dated 06 Feb 2009]
I have recently had a new clutch fitted to my 06 Fiesta, due to the old one dragging causing difficulty in engaging gears. Prior to the new clutch, the pedal action was very heavy it is now very light is this normal? Also since having the new clutch there is a crunchy feeling when chaging gears. It is not easy to get a smooth change. The garage that did the clutch tell me it is the symptom of the gearbox wearing, is this right on a 3 year old 23000 miles car? If so is the only option a new or recon gearbox?
[Migrated from previous post 319 dated 01 Jun 2009]
High biting point for clutch on VW Golf
My clutch has a high biting point and power in low gears are poor especially uphill. Does this indicate a worn clutch and in need of replacement?VW Golf 4.
Thanks.
[Migrated from previous topic 10425 dated 29 Apr 2009]
A high biting point for the clutch does not necessarily mean that you need a new clutch, you might just need some adjustment done to it. How long have you had this problem for and when was the last servicing done? If it's been a while, then you are better off taking your car to the garage so that a mechanic can have a closet look at your clutch and advise you accordingly.
[Migrated from previous post 257 dated 29 Apr 2009]
Citroen C1 Replacement
How much for a Citroen C1 replacement clutch?
[Migrated from previous topic 10621 dated 23 Aug 2009]
Clutch for an Astra
I wonder if you can let me know an estimate for a new clutch with fitting for a 1.4 vx Astra?
Thanks
[Migrated from previous topic 10241 dated 09 Nov 2008]
Cost of clutch for citroen picasso
I would like to know how much it costs for a citroen picasso new clutch.
[Migrated from previous topic 10418 dated 22 Apr 2009]
Hi, my picasso makes a ticking noise when stationary and when I apply the clutch it stops. 2 people think it's a bearing in the clutch and the other say it's a bearing in the gear box. It's only done 19000 miles. I'm hoping its the clutch not gear box. What do you think?
Is this normal for a new clutch?
It's quite normal to feel this way especially if you've been driving on a used clutch for a long time. New clutches tend to bite quickly, so don't worry about it and slowly you'll get used to it.
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