How Much Does Labor Cost to Install a Clutch Kit?
Clutch kit labor costs in the UK range from £300 to £750 depending on the car. Find out what factors affect the price, which parts to replace, and how to avoid overpaying for a clutch replacement.
Clutch Installation Price: What You Really Pay in the UK
When your clutch, the component that connects your engine to the transmission so you can shift gears smoothly. Also known as clutch assembly, it's one of those parts you don’t think about until it fails—then suddenly, your car won’t move when you press the pedal. A worn clutch doesn’t just make driving annoying—it can leave you stranded. And when it does, you’re faced with one big question: how much does clutch installation actually cost?
The price isn’t just about the part. A full clutch replacement, the complete job of removing the old clutch and installing a new one, including related components includes the clutch kit (pressure plate, disc, release bearing), labor to drop the transmission, and often a new flywheel, the heavy metal disc that connects to the engine and works with the clutch to transfer power. If your flywheel is cracked or warped—which happens often after clutch wear—it needs replacing too. Skipping this can mean your new clutch fails in months. Most UK garages will recommend a flywheel swap at the same time, even if it’s not broken yet, because pulling the transmission twice is way more expensive than doing it once.
Labour is where the cost jumps. Clutch jobs take 4 to 8 hours, depending on your car. A simple hatchback might be 4 hours. A 4x4 or performance model? Could be 8 hours or more because the transmission is harder to access. That’s why a Ford Focus clutch job might cost £450, but a BMW 3 Series could hit £850. Parts matter too. Cheap clutch kits last 20,000 miles. Premium ones last 80,000. You don’t need the most expensive, but going for the lowest price often means paying twice.
Some garages quote you a price that doesn’t include VAT or new transmission fluid. Others throw in a free inspection of your release bearing, the part that pushes against the clutch pressure plate when you press the pedal or the gear selector cables. Always ask what’s included. A £300 quote might sound great—until you find out it’s just the clutch disc and no labor. We’ve seen customers saved hundreds by comparing full quotes, not just part prices.
Signs you need a new clutch? Squealing when you press the pedal, slipping when you accelerate uphill, or a pedal that feels higher than usual. If your car struggles to move in first gear, or you smell burning when driving hard, don’t wait. A failing clutch can damage your gearbox—and that repair costs five times more.
Below, you’ll find real-life examples and breakdowns from our service logs in Stevenage. We’ve seen clutch jobs on everything from old Vauxhalls to modern Toyotas. What we’ve learned? The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal. The smartest move is knowing what’s included, what’s optional, and what you can’t afford to skip.
