What Actually Happens When Your Clutch Is Replaced?

Table of contents

1. What is a clutch?
2. How to tell if your clutch is going
3. How long does it take to change a clutch?
4. The process of replacing a clutch
5. Does a new clutch smell?

Table of contents

1. What is a clutch?
2. How to tell if your clutch is going
3. How long does it take to change a clutch?
4. The process of replacing a clutch
5. Does a new clutch smell?

Clutches experience a lot of strain, typically wearing out at some point after 60,000 miles. As you might already know, replacing a clutch can be expensive because it's a very labour-intensive job. This guide discusses the process in detail to give you a better idea of what's involved.

What is a clutch?

The clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission. When you press the clutch pedal, the clutch disengages, stopping the engine power from reaching the wheels, which allows you to change gear.

Learn more about how a clutch works in this guide.

How to tell if your clutch is going

Signs that you need a clutch replacement include:

• A spongy, sticking, vibrating or loose pedal

• A squeaking or grumbling noise when you press the clutch pedal

• Poor acceleration

• Difficulty changing gear

• Slipping clutch

• High biting point

How long does it take to change a clutch?

Replacing a clutch takes two to six hours, sometimes more. It depends on the clutch configuration and how difficult it is to access. If you make a booking, we recommend putting a whole day aside.

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The process of replacing a clutch

Each clutch replacement is slightly different depending on how the car is configured. Here's a basic outline of the process.

• 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 is disengaged. The mechanic will also disconnect the speedometer cable at this point and unfasten the starter motor from the engine housing.

• A jack will usually be placed under the transmission.

• All bolts on the transmission are removed to release the transmission from its mount, giving access to the clutch.

• The bolts around the clutch pressure plate are removed, followed by the plate and disc.

• 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, clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing are returned to the vehicle and secured.

• The mechanic will move the transaxle into the correct place, ensuring the shaft goes into the appropriate opening on the clutch disc.

• Lastly, all the bolts that have been removed are reinstalled, and a test is done to confirm that the new clutch is working correctly.

Does a new clutch smell?

Your new clutch may smell a little funny when you first drive it after a replacement. However, this is nothing to be concerned about - like new brake pads, clutches take a while to 'bed in'.

The smell should improve after a week or two of gentle heating up and cooling down cycles. You can complete a cycle by taking your car for a drive and using the clutch plenty of times to heat it up. Then, park your car and let it cool down completely.

If you notice a strong burning smell from you clutch, get in touch with the garage who replaced it for a check.

Since clutch replacements can be pricey, it's worth shopping around. That's where FixMyCar comes in. Our Garage Network contains thousands of expert mechanics who can get your car back on the road in no time.

Simply enter your details, and we'll send you quotes straight to your inbox.

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If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• Ultimate guide to clutch repairs

• How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

• What to do if your clutch is slipping

• How long does a clutch last?

• How to bleed a car's clutch

• Why is my clutch pedal sticking?

• What is a flywheel and what does it do?

• Do automatic cars have a clutch?

• Why is my clutch squeaking?

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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.

Find Ellie on LinkedIn.

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