7 Signs of a Worn Or Bad Clutch (& Replacement Price)

The modern vehicle uses a durable and sophisticated clutch system that can last more than 100,000 miles depending on its model.

But, harsh driving conditions can cause clutch damage and decrease its lifetime.

How do you tell if your clutch is worn or bad? And how much does it cost to repair it?

This article will cover the most common signs of bad clutches and the steps you can take to correct them. Let’s begin with a quick overview of the signs to look for:

Bad Clutch Signs

A worn clutch can cause slipping during acceleration, which is the most obvious sign. It is possible that your clutch pedal engagements are higher than usual. Sometimes, the clutch may become stiffer or more flexible than it used to be.

This is a detailed listing of symptoms that indicate a worn or defective clutch.

1. Slipping Clutch

When your clutch has a problem, you will notice that the clutch slips when you accelerate. When driving uphill, or transporting large loads, a damaged clutch can slip.

You will notice that the engine speed increases, but the car doesn’t go faster or that the engine RPM does not match the speed increase. The damage intensity is increased when the clutch slips and overheats the other parts.

You may also notice that your clutch is slipping.

2. Clutch requires a greater uptake than is usual

The clutch pedal can wear out and cause the car to go higher when it is worn.

You made an adjustment to the clutch on older vehicles in order to avoid this. This adjustment is often done by the mechanics at every service.

The hydraulic clutch system in newer vehicles will adjust this automatically and no adjustments are required.

Unfortunately, this means that if the clutch is getting so bad that the hydraulic system can’t adjust it anymore, it is definitely time to replace the clutch.

3. When Clutch is Pressed, it Feels So Soft

The clutch assembly can be very heavy so it is necessary to apply some pressure on the clutch pedal.

If your clutch pedal appears extremely much softer than usual when depressed, it can mean that there is a problem with the clutch’s pressure plate, and you may need to have the clutch assembly checked.

4. Trouble switching gears

You will see smooth and effortless shifting if your gearbox and clutch are in good condition.

Clutch function is to allow you to shift easily from one gear to another by releasing the torque between the engine and transmission. It will be extremely difficult for you to shift gears if the clutch does not release the link between engine and transmission.

When the clutch is bad, this often happens on all gears, so if you noticed that your car’s gear shift became difficult lately, it is definitely time to check the clutch.

5. The Clutch Presses Make Noise

When pressing down on the clutch pedal, you may hear some grinding sound coming from your engine compartment. This could be a sign that either the clutch pressure plate (or throwout bearing) is defective or damaged.

Throwout bearings are the bearing that presses the clutch pressure plate, releasing the clutch. They must always be replaced with the clutch.

Unlucky people may also hear the sound from the clutch plate, or even the clutch disc. You should check the clutch for any noises coming from near it.

6. The Clutch pedal Feels Strong

The clutch pedal can feel stiff if it is not working properly.

Hard clutch pedals can indicate problems with hydraulic clutch systems, such as a bad slave or master clutch, but they are also possible to be indicative of a malfunctioning clutch. It is crucial to perform a diagnosis prior to replacing the clutch.

7. Keep your Clutch Pedal on the Floor

It is possible for the clutch to be too tight or loose, and it may also stick to the ground.

This indicates a problem with your clutch plate, throwout bear, or hydraulic system.

If you have this problem with your car, you need to diagnose the clutch’s hydraulic system before replacing the clutch.

RELATED : Signs that a Clutch Master Cylinder is Bad

Clutch function

This clutch transmits torque from engine to gearbox. The clutch is responsible for connecting the shafts which turn the gearbox to the shafts coming from the engine.

The clutch’s main function is to release the connection between the engine and gearbox so you can shift to the next gear easily. The clutch is used to shift your car from 0 speed into the first gear.

Although it's possible to change gears without the clutch, this requires that you match engine RPM with gearbox speed. You will also cause the gearbox to wear super fast.

Clutch location

It is between the engine and gearbox. It is often hidden under the gearbox housing and therefore impossible to inspect without removing the engine’s gearbox.

There are some car models that have inspection covers you can pull off to inspect the clutch. It is not difficult, however, to identify any clutch problems without taking off the inspection cover.

Clutch Repair Cost

The average cost of replacing a clutch is $500 to $2000 depending on car make and labour costs. An entire clutch kit costs between $200 and $400 while labor can cost $300 to $1500.

Not enough is to replace just the clutch disc. It is not enough to just replace the clutch disc. You must also replace the clutch pressure plate and throwout bearing. Sometimes, the flywheel.

There are often complete clutch kits that include everything, which can help to reduce the cost.

It can be difficult to replace the clutch because you have to take the entire gearbox off. This requires special tools.

Some clutches need to be adjusted using special tools once they are installed.

If you have only basic knowledge of your car, it's not a good idea to change the clutch.

You can expect a total labor cost of 300$ to 1500$ if you let a repair shop do it for you – depending on the car and gearbox model.

Questions about Clutch