How Much Does A Clutch Release Cable Replacement Cost in the UK?

Clutch release cables control the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is pressed, it pulls on the cable which in turn moves the clutch fork and releases the pressure plate from the flywheel allowing for gear changes. This results in a smooth and consistent shift that can be felt when engaged. The clutch release cable will also loosen up any slack when the pedal is released, allowing for a smoother engagement again when it is depressed.

Although it is made of steel and designed to last, the cable can be damaged due to wear and tear from regular use. Without a properly functioning clutch release cable, it will be difficult to shift gears while driving and could ultimately cause damage to other components within your vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch release cable?

The average cost of replacing a clutch release cable is £90, with prices ranging from £70 and £120. The exact price of the clutch release cable replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a clutch release cable replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for clutch release cable 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 release cable replacement for your car.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of clutch release repair or 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 release cable replacement.

Signs your clutch release cable needs to be replaced

• You experience difficulty shifting gears
• Clutch pedal feels spongy
• You experience clutch slippage (when the clutch doesn't fully engage or disengage as you release the pedal)
• Clutch pedal remains stuck to the floor and won’t return to its normal position
• Inconsistent clutch engagement or increased clutch pedal effort

Slipping clutch

If you notice the clutch slipping especially when accelerating then it is likely due to a bad clutch release cable.

Hard to shift gears

If the gears are difficult to shift or you have to apply extra force to shift, the release cable may be jammed or damaged. In some cases, this is also accompanied by a harsh squeaking or clunking noise.

Clutch pedal remains stuck to the floor

If the clutch pedal sticks to the floor and won't return to its normal position, it could be a sign of a problem with the release cable or with the release bearing.

Inconsistent clutch engagement

If the clutch engages and disengages erratically, it could be a sign that the release cable is damaged or misadjusted. A mechanic will be able to pinpoint the issue on further inspection.

Frequently asked questions about clutch release cable replacement cost

How long does it take to replace the clutch cable?

Replacing a clutch release cable typically takes about an hour. It’s a fairly easy job for an experienced mechanic and does not require the whole transmission system to be disassembled.

What noise does a broken clutch release cable make?

Typically, a broken clutch release cable will not make a consistent noise, however, you can expect a rattling or clunking sound and feeling when the clutch is engaged. This noise is usually accompanied by difficulty in shifting gears and the clutch pedal feeling heavy or hard to push.

What happens if you drive with a worn-out clutch cable?

If you drive with a worn-out clutch cable, the clutch will not be able to disengage fully, meaning it will be harder to shift gears and drivability will suffer. Additionally, this can cause strain on the clutch and transmission, potentially leading to long-term damage and expensive repair bills.

Can I carry out a clutch release cable replacement myself?

What else could be the problem if my clutch release cable isn’t broken?

Not all vehicles have a clutch cable. If you're experiencing clutch-related issues then it could be one of the components within the clutch and transmission system such as clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, flywheel, etc. A professional mechanic will need to carry out an inspection to determine the exact part at fault.

What happens during a clutch release cable replacement?

Changing clutch cables is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both at the kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.

Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.

The mechanic will;

• Assess the operation of the clutch mechanism
• Remove the faulty cable and replace it with a new one
• Re-test the operation of the clutch mechanism.