Clutch · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Clutch replacement in Rotterdam

Is your clutch slipping, does it only bite right at the top, or is the flywheel rattling? We check the clutch and the flywheel. We replace clutches in our own workshop, whatever make you drive. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug replaces clutches on all makes in its own workshop at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, and also checks the flywheel and the clutch controls. You often notice a worn clutch through slipping, a high biting point or difficult gear changes. You hear in advance what the replacement costs. Extra work, such as a new flywheel, is only done if you agree to it.

According to the ANWB, replacing a clutch costs between € 300 and € 1,000 on average. If the flywheel also needs replacing, it costs more. You get a warranty on our repairs. With the quote you hear which warranty you get. Book an appointment on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. You bring the car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Jump to: symptoms · causes and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

Do you recognise any of these symptoms?

You often notice a worn clutch through one or more of these signs.

  • The revs shoot up, but the car hardly accelerates
  • The clutch only bites when the pedal is almost fully up
  • The pedal feels heavy or sticks
  • Changing gear is difficult or makes a grinding noise
  • You hear rattling at idle or when you switch off the engine
  • You smell burning after pulling away

Does the clutch slip when overtaking or on a hill? Then the power of the engine does not reach the wheels. That is dangerous. Drive as little as possible and have the clutch checked soon. If you can no longer change gear, read what to do in case of a breakdown.

How the clutch works

The clutch sits between the engine and the gearbox. When you press the pedal, the connection is briefly broken. That lets you stand still with the engine running, pull away and change gear.

The clutch plate is pressed against the flywheel by the pressure plate. Every time you pull away and change gear, the plate wears a little. The pressure plate and the release bearing wear too. Many cars and vans have a dual-mass flywheel, which dampens vibrations.

On most cars, the gearbox has to come out to replace the clutch. That is why we also look at the flywheel at the same time, so the gearbox does not have to come out again later.

What we do if your clutch slips

  • Take a test drive and assess the problem
  • Check the controls, the cylinders and the clutch fluid
  • Replace the clutch plate, pressure plate and release bearing if needed
  • Check the flywheel and replace it if needed
  • Check for oil leaks at the clutch
  • Take a test drive after the work

Extra work is only done with your approval.

You can combine the repair with a service for your car, a major service (in Dutch) or an oil change. With a major service, the APK (MOT) is free, except for Tesla and Polestar.

Clutch replacement: symptom, cause and solution

This table shows which symptom often goes with which cause. We only know what is really going on once we have checked the car.

Clutch problems and possible causes
Symptom Possible cause What we do
The revs shoot up, but the car hardly accelerates The clutch plate is worn and slips Check and replace the clutch
The clutch only bites when the pedal is almost fully up Wear of the clutch plate Check and replace the clutch
The pedal is heavy, sticks or sinks to the floor The clutch cylinder, the release bearing or the hydraulic system Check the cylinders, fluid and release bearing
Changing gear is difficult or makes a grinding noise The clutch does not disengage properly or the gearbox has a problem Check the clutch and the controls
Rattling or knocking at idle or when you switch off the engine Possibly the dual-mass flywheel Check the flywheel, often together with the clutch
Judder when pulling away A warped clutch plate, the flywheel or the engine mounts Check the clutch, flywheel and mounts
Burning smell after pulling away on a hill or with a trailer The clutch slips and gets too hot Have it checked before the plate is completely worn

In our own workshop

We replace clutches in our own workshop. We also do alternators, starter motors and internal engine work, such as a head gasket, ourselves. We do not outsource that work. So you have one point of contact from start to finish.

The cost of a new clutch

According to the ANWB, replacing a clutch costs between € 300 and € 1,000 on average. If the flywheel also needs replacing, it costs more. That is an indication and not a quote from us. You hear in advance what it costs for your car.

We work on all makes and models. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg, such as a Volkswagen Crafter, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or a motorhome built on a Fiat Ducato.

How to make your clutch last longer

Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. When waiting, put the car in neutral and hold it on the brake. On a hill, use the handbrake or hill start assist when pulling away instead of slipping the clutch. Pull away gently with a trailer. According to the ANWB, incorrect use, especially with a heavy trailer, can wear out the clutch in a short time. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

More about the clutch

Here you can read more about the flywheel, a sticking pedal, a burning smell and clutches on vans and motorhomes.

The dual-mass flywheel

A dual-mass flywheel is a flywheel that dampens engine vibrations. Many modern cars and vans have one. It also wears and is often due for replacement at the same time as the clutch. A worn flywheel can rattle at idle or when you switch off the engine. We check it when the gearbox is out and discuss with you what is needed.

The clutch pedal stays on the floor

If the clutch pedal stays on the floor, there may be a problem with the clutch cylinder or the hydraulic system. According to the ANWB, a worn clutch cylinder is a common fault. On many cars the clutch and the brakes share the same fluid reservoir. If the clutch leaks, the brake fluid level can drop too. Have that checked straight away. If you can no longer change gear, do not drive on, and have your breakdown service bring the car to us. Read what to do in case of a breakdown.

A burning smell after pulling away

A burning smell after pulling away can come from the clutch. A slipping clutch gets hot and can then give off a burning smell. This happens mainly when pulling away on a hill or with a trailer. If it happens more often, have the clutch checked. That way you stop the plate from wearing out completely.

Vans and motorhomes up to 3,500 kg

You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. On vans and motorhomes, for example those built on a Fiat Ducato, the clutch and flywheel often wear faster because of the weight and the load. A Volkswagen Crafter or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter up to 3,500 kg also fits on our lifts. Read more about van repairs and motorhomes.

A new clutch on an older car

Whether a new clutch is still worth it on an older car depends on the condition of the car and the cost of the repair. We tell you what we see and what the repair costs. Then you decide. Unsure about a quote from another garage? Then come to us for a second opinion.

Frequently asked questions about the clutch

Below you will find answers to questions our customers often ask.

How do I know if my clutch is worn?

According to the ANWB, you can recognise a worn clutch by slipping, a pedal that is heavy or sticks, a clutch that only bites right at the top, and difficult gear changes. You notice slipping when the revs shoot up while the car hardly goes any faster. We check the clutch and tell you what is needed.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

According to the ANWB, replacing a clutch costs between € 300 and € 1,000 on average. If the flywheel also needs replacing, it costs more. That is an indication and not a quote from us. Call us with your registration number. You hear in advance what it costs for your car, and we only start once you agree.

How long does a clutch last?

According to the ANWB, a clutch lasts at least six years or 120,000 kilometres. That depends a lot on how and where you drive. In the city you change gear more often, so the clutch wears faster. Driving with a heavy trailer can also wear the clutch quickly.

Can I keep driving with a slipping clutch?

No. We advise against it. It often still works for a short time, but it gets worse quickly. When overtaking or on a hill, the power of the engine then does not reach the wheels properly. That is dangerous. So drive as little as possible and have the clutch checked soon. Do not tow a trailer until it is fixed.

Does the flywheel need replacing too?

No. That is not needed in every case. If the flywheel is still good, it stays in. If it is already badly worn, it makes sense to replace it at the same time, because the gearbox is out anyway. We discuss that with you in advance, with the price.

How long does a clutch replacement take?

That depends on the car. On most cars the gearbox has to come out. When you book, you hear how long the car stays with us. If a part has to be ordered, you hear that in advance. You bring the car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

What about the clutch in an automatic?

An automatic has no clutch pedal. A conventional automatic usually has a torque converter. An automatic with a dual clutch, such as a DSG, does have clutches inside the gearbox. Is your automatic jerking or slipping? Then read more about recognising automatic gearbox problems (in Dutch). For gearbox maintenance, read more about automatic gearbox flushing and DSG flushing (in Dutch).

Do I get a warranty on a new clutch?

Yes. Our repairs come with a warranty. When we give you the quote, we tell you which warranty applies. We only start once you agree.

Clutch replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is nearby.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check, you can walk in without an appointment.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Want your clutch checked or replaced?

Call us during opening hours with your registration number. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say.

Also see our pages about car repairs, vans, motorhomes and automatic gearbox problems (in Dutch).