Car Clutch Problems | Signs Of Clutch Failure | The AA

Shift the transmission to neutral. This will allow you to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull over to the side of the road.

Stop the car as soon as you can, in as safe a place as possible.

Turn your hazard lights on and switch off the engine.

Contact us to report a breakdown.

Make sure you’ve got breakdown cover  – if this happens to you, we’ll head out and assist you.

We'll get you back on the road.

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What happens if I keep driving with a bad clutch?

If your clutch pedal is sticking, slipping, or squeaking, you increase the risk of full clutch failure. If you have any of these symptoms and notice the general handling and performance of your car worsening over time, it would be best to have a mechanic look at your clutch to provide a proper diagnosis.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

Prices for clutch replacement services vary depending on make, model and type of clutch system. One way to reduce or completely cover this cost is to add Parts and Garage Cover to your breakdown cover policy. With parts and garage cover, you can get up to £535 towards repairs and labour after you call us.

How to fix a clutch

Unless you have the knowledge and the training to fix a clutch, it’s not something we recommend you do yourself. Always go to a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

Fixing a clutch involves different steps, depending on the specific issue. Here are some general steps that could be taken to fix a clutch:

Step 1

Start by diagnosing the problem. This may require inspecting the clutch system for issues such as worn-out components or low hydraulic fluid levels.

Step 2

Replace any worn-out components, such as the clutch disc or pressure plate, by removing the old parts and installing new ones.

Step 3

Adjust the clutch linkage or cable to ensure that the clutch is engaging and disengaging properly, if necessary.

Step 4

Replace any faulty clutch master or slave cylinders by removing the old cylinder and installing a new one.

Step 5

Refill the hydraulic fluid in the clutch system reservoir if the fluid levels are low.

Step 6

Bleed the clutch system to remove air from the system by opening the bleed screw and pumping the clutch pedal.

How long does it take to fix a clutch

How long it takes to fix the clutch will depend on the problem and the vehicle.

Generally, replacing worn-out components, like the clutch disc or pressure plate, can take about 4 to 6 hours. However, replacing the entire clutch system may take up to 8 hours or more. Adjusting or bleeding the clutch system can usually be done within an hour or two. These estimates vary depending on the specific vehicle and the complexity of the issue. You should speak to your garage to find out how much time they estimate it will take to fix.

What to do if you have problems after a clutch replacement

If you have problems after the clutch has been replaced, take it back to the garage that did the work so they can repair it. If you have breakdown cover with us, you can call out one of our mechanics who will be able to confirm the source of the problem for you.