Clutch Repair Cost Estimator
Estimate Your Clutch Repair Cost
Get an accurate estimate based on your vehicle type, garage choice, and flywheel requirements.
If your car suddenly jerks when you shift gears, smells like burning toast, or won’t move even with the gas pedal pressed, you’re probably dealing with a burnt clutch. It’s not a minor issue-it’s a full-stop problem that needs fixing fast. And if you’re wondering how much it’ll cost to fix, you’re not alone. The price can swing from under £300 to over £1,200 depending on your car, where you live, and who does the work. Let’s break down exactly what you’re paying for-and how to avoid getting ripped off.
What Causes a Clutch to Burn Out?
A clutch isn’t meant to last forever, but it should easily hit 80,000 to 100,000 miles in a normal driver’s hands. When it burns out, it’s usually because of bad habits. Riding the clutch-keeping your foot lightly on the pedal while driving-wears it down faster. So does frequent stop-and-go traffic in a heavy car, towing without the right gear, or launching hard from a standstill. Diesel cars with high torque, like a Ford Transit or Volkswagen Transporter, are especially prone to clutch failure if driven aggressively.
The clutch disc itself is made of friction material bonded to a metal plate. When it overheats, that material glazes over, loses grip, and starts slipping. That’s when you smell the burn. The pressure plate and release bearing usually wear out at the same time, which is why mechanics don’t just replace the disc-they replace the whole kit.
What’s Included in a Clutch Kit?
A full clutch kit isn’t just one part. It’s three main components bundled together:
- Clutch disc: The friction surface that connects the engine to the transmission.
- Pressure plate: The spring-loaded clamp that presses the disc against the flywheel.
- Release bearing (or throw-out bearing): The part that pushes against the pressure plate when you press the pedal.
Some kits include a pilot bearing or bushing, especially in older cars. Others might include a new flywheel if it’s damaged-but that’s usually an extra cost. Flywheels can crack or warp from overheating, and if you install a new clutch on a bad flywheel, the new one will fail within weeks.
How Much Does the Clutch Kit Cost?
Clutch kits vary wildly in price based on your car’s make, model, and engine size. Here’s what you’re likely to pay for the parts alone in the UK in 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Kit Price Range | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Small hatchback (e.g., Ford Fiesta, VW Polo) | £120 - £220 | LUK, Valeo, Sachs |
| Family sedan (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic) | £180 - £300 | LUK, Febi, LPR |
| Large SUV or 4x4 (e.g., Land Rover Discovery, BMW X5) | £280 - £500 | Sachs, LUK, Valeo |
| Performance or diesel van (e.g., Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter) | £350 - £650 | LUK, LPR, Valeo |
Don’t buy the cheapest kit you can find. A £60 clutch from an unknown brand might save you money upfront, but it’ll wear out in 20,000 miles instead of 80,000. Stick to brands like LUK, Sachs, or Valeo-they’re used by OEMs and tested for durability. Avoid no-name eBay or Amazon listings unless you’re certain they’re genuine OEM parts.
Labour Costs: The Real Killer
The clutch kit is only half the bill. Labour is where most of the cost comes from. Replacing a clutch isn’t like changing brake pads. It requires lifting the engine or transmission, disconnecting driveshafts, and removing the gearbox. In most cars, this takes 4 to 8 hours of skilled work.
In the UK, labour rates vary by region and garage type:
- Independent garage: £50 - £75 per hour. Total labour: £300 - £550
- Franchise dealer: £80 - £120 per hour. Total labour: £500 - £900
- Specialist clutch shop: £65 - £85 per hour. Total labour: £400 - £650
Some cars are easier than others. A Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra might take 5 hours. A VW Golf Mk7 or a Subaru Impreza could take 7. A rear-wheel-drive BMW or a Land Rover Defender? You’re looking at 8+ hours. If your car has a transverse engine and the clutch is buried under the engine, expect higher labour charges.
Total Cost Breakdown: Real Examples
Here’s what real customers in Bristol paid for clutch replacements in late 2024:
- 2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost: £165 kit + £420 labour = £585 total
- 2020 Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI: £230 kit + £540 labour = £770 total
- 2017 Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi: £410 kit + £680 labour = £1,090 total
- 2015 BMW 320d: £290 kit + £720 labour = £1,010 total
Notice how the diesel van cost nearly twice as much as the Fiesta? That’s because of engine layout, weight, and access difficulty. Always get quotes based on your exact model and year.
Should You Replace the Flywheel Too?
This is where things get tricky. Most mechanics will recommend replacing the flywheel if it’s a dual-mass flywheel (DMF). These are common in modern diesel and turbo petrol engines. They’re designed to smooth out engine vibrations, but they wear out and can crack or lose their damping ability.
If you skip replacing a worn DMF, your new clutch will vibrate, chatter, or fail early. A new DMF adds £250 to £500 to the bill. Some people try to save money by reusing the old one. Don’t. It’s a false economy. The cost of a second clutch job will be higher than the flywheel was.
Single-mass flywheels (SMF) are simpler and cheaper-around £100 to £180. They’re found in older or simpler cars. If your car has one, replacing it is optional unless it’s cracked or warped.
How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners
You don’t need to pay dealer prices to get a good job. Here’s how to save:
- Get multiple quotes. Call at least three garages. One might charge £1,100, another £800. Ask what’s included-does the quote cover the flywheel? The release bearing? A test drive?
- Buy your own clutch kit. Many garages will let you supply your own parts. Buy a LUK or Sachs kit online from a reputable UK supplier like Euro Car Parts or Opie Oils. You can save £50-£100 this way.
- Ask about a reconditioned flywheel. If you’re on a tight budget and your DMF isn’t cracked, a reconditioned one can cut £150 off the cost. Only do this if the garage guarantees it.
- Don’t rush. If your clutch is slipping but still drivable, you can delay the repair-but not for long. Every slip generates heat, and that heat damages the flywheel and pressure plate. Fix it before it gets worse.
Signs You’re Being Overcharged
Watch out for these red flags:
- They say the clutch is burnt but don’t show you the old parts.
- They quote £1,200 for a basic hatchback without explaining why.
- They insist you need a new flywheel when your car has a single-mass one.
- They use a brand you’ve never heard of and won’t tell you where it’s made.
A reputable garage will show you the worn clutch, explain why each part was replaced, and give you a written quote with part numbers. If they won’t do that, walk away.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?
Driving with a burnt clutch isn’t just inconvenient-it’s dangerous. The clutch can fail completely while you’re moving. You might lose power suddenly on a motorway, or be unable to shift into gear when you need to. You could stall in traffic, get rear-ended, or be stranded in a dangerous spot.
And if you keep driving on a slipping clutch, you’ll eventually damage the transmission. Gear teeth can wear down, synchronisers can melt, and the input shaft can warp. That’s a £2,000+ repair instead of a £800 clutch job.
How Long Does a New Clutch Last?
A good-quality clutch installed correctly should last 80,000 to 120,000 miles. How long it lasts depends on how you drive. If you’re gentle with the pedal, avoid riding the clutch, and don’t tow heavy loads, you’ll hit 100,000 miles easily. If you’re aggressive, live in a city with heavy traffic, or tow regularly, expect closer to 60,000 miles.
Keep an eye on clutch feel. If the pedal feels higher than before, or you need to rev higher to move, it’s starting to wear. Don’t wait for it to slip before acting.
Can I drive with a burnt clutch?
You can drive short distances if it’s only slightly slipping, but it’s risky. The clutch will get hotter and wear faster. You might lose power unexpectedly, especially when climbing hills or accelerating. If it’s slipping badly, don’t drive it at all. You risk damaging the transmission, which costs far more to fix.
Is it worth replacing just the clutch disc and not the whole kit?
No. The pressure plate and release bearing wear out at the same rate as the clutch disc. Replacing only the disc means you’ll need to take the gearbox out again in a few months to replace the others. That doubles the labour cost. Always replace the full kit.
Do I need a new flywheel every time I replace the clutch?
Only if it’s damaged or if your car has a dual-mass flywheel (DMF). Most modern cars do. A mechanic should inspect the flywheel for cracks, warping, or worn damping. If it looks good and you have a single-mass flywheel, you can reuse it. But if you’re unsure, replace it-it’s cheaper than a second clutch job.
Why is clutch replacement so expensive?
Because it’s one of the most labour-intensive repairs on a car. The gearbox has to be removed, which requires lifting the engine or suspension components, disconnecting multiple systems, and precise reassembly. It’s not a simple swap-it’s a 5-8 hour job requiring skill and specialized tools. The parts are expensive too, especially for newer models.
Can I replace a clutch myself?
If you have mechanical experience, the right tools (engine hoist, clutch alignment tool, torque wrench), and a safe workspace, yes. But it’s not a beginner job. A mistake can damage the transmission or cause the clutch to fail immediately. Most people save money by buying the kit themselves and paying a garage just for labour.
If your clutch is gone, don’t delay. Get it checked now. A £800 repair today stops a £2,500 transmission disaster tomorrow. And remember: don’t just pick the cheapest quote. Pick the one that uses quality parts, shows you the old components, and explains everything clearly.
