How Much Does A Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement Cost in the UK?

A clutch master cylinder is a vital component in a vehicle's transmission, connecting the pedal to the hydraulic system that actuates the clutch. In basic terms, when the clutch pedal is depressed, fluid is forced from the master cylinder into the slave cylinder, disengaging the clutch. A master cylinder typically has a reservoir that stores the fluid.

Over time, the seals in the cylinder can deteriorate, causing it to lose pressure and ultimately fail. When this happens, you will need to replace the clutch master cylinder.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch master cylinder?

The average cost of replacing a clutch master cylinder is £200, with prices ranging from £140 and £275. The exact price of the clutch master cylinder replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a clutch master cylinder replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a clutch master cylinder replacement.

Average cost of a clutch master cylinder replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a clutch master cylinder replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for clutch master cylinder repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a clutch master cylinder replacement for your car.

Average cost of a clutch master cylinder replacement by manufacturer

Signs your clutch master cylinder needs a replacement

• Soft or spongy clutch pedal
• Stuck or hard-to-depress clutch pedal
• Difficulty shifting gears
• Clutch slipping
• Low clutch fluid
• Dark clutch fluid after changing recently
• Clutch pedal not returning to normal position

Stuck pedal or hard to depress clutch

A failing master clutch cylinder causes the clutch pedal to fall to the floor when pressed and not rise again. This can make the vehicle undrivable as the gears will be impossible to engage. In some cases, the clutch pedal may be stiff and hard to depress, making it difficult to switch gears and making the driving experience extremely difficult and dangerous.

Low clutch fluid

When a slave cylinder leaks, clutch fluid levels are quickly depleted and need to be refilled frequently. You should check the cylinder for cracks or holes if the clutch fluid level falls below normal after refuelling, or within a short period of time.

Dark clutch fluid after changing recently

On the other hand, if the clutch fluid changes colour to a dark liquid within a few hundred or thousand miles, then it could be another indication of a problem with the clutch master cylinder.

Cannot change gear as normal

A faulty clutch master cylinder will create all sorts of issues when shifting gears. For example, when pressing the clutch, the vehicle may shift into a gear, or it may not shift at all.

Frequently asked questions about clutch master cylinder replacement cost

What happens if the clutch master cylinder fails?

The clutch master cylinder is a key part of the hydraulic clutch system. If it fails, the clutch pedal will feel spongy or springy, and it may be difficult to shift gears. In some cases, the pedal may even feel like it is stuck to the floor.​

Can you drive with a faulty clutch master cylinder?

No, in most cases you cannot drive with a faulty clutch master cylinder. The clutch master cylinder is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to the clutch slave cylinder so that the clutch can engage and disengage properly. If the clutch master cylinder is not functioning properly, the clutch will not engage and you will not be able to drive the vehicle.

Is it expensive to fix a clutch master cylinder?

Fixing and replacing a faulty clutch master cylinder is fairly inexpensive when compared to replacing the entire clutch kit. A clutch master cylinder replacement will consist of the master cylinder part, clutch fluid and the labour charges of the mechanic. While the cost of the part itself is usually around £50, it’s the labour charges and the type of vehicle that will determine the final cost of the job.

How long does a clutch master cylinder replacement take?

A clutch master cylinder replacement typically takes around 1 hour, but it can take even up to 3 hours depending on the complexity involved in the job. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a clutch master cylinder replacement myself?

The clutch system is a critical part of a vehicle and related repairs including clutch master cylinder replacement is a complex job that requires advanced knowledge of auto repair and specialised tools.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a clutch master cylinder replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my clutch master cylinder isn’t broken?

If your clutch master cylinder is not the source of the problem, here are some common parts that could be causing similar symptoms:

• Clutch slave cylinder - The clutch slave cylinder works in conjunction with the master cylinder to engage and disengage the clutch so if this leaks or malfunctions then it can present similar symptoms
• Clutch disc - Clutch slippage can also occur due to a worn-out clutch disc or pressure plate
• Flywheel - A damaged flywheel may affect clutch engagement and lead to slipping or other issues

It’s not always easy to figure out the exact issue where clutch problems occur; a professional mechanic can carry out a closer inspection and will be able to point out the parts that need repair or replacement.

What happens during a clutch master cylinder replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the clutch system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the clutch master cylinder.
• Mechanic will advise if other components of the clutch system need to be replaced, like the clutch slave cylinder.
• Mechanic will check the level and condition of the fluid.
• Mechanic will bleed the clutch system.
• Mechanic will inspect the clutch system again and test drive the car to establish whether it works correctly.