Clutch slip
Revs rise without matching acceleration. Diagnose slip vs traction control, and prevent flywheel damage.
HIGH RISK
Common symptoms
- Revs flare in higher gears
- Burning smell
- Bite point high
- Poor acceleration under load
Cost expectations
DIY: £0–£40 (tests). Garage: £450–£1200+ for clutch/flywheel.
Note: prices vary by car and region. Use this as a planning range.
Most likely causes (ranked)
- Worn clutch friction — Most common; life exhausted.
- Oil contamination — Rear main seal/gearbox seal leaks.
- Hydraulic issues — Release bearing not fully engaging.
- Driving style/overheating — Repeated slipping overheats clutch.
- Dual-mass flywheel wear — Can worsen engagement and feel.
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
- Test in high gear at low RPM: floor it and watch revs vs speed.
- Check for oil leaks around bellhousing.
- Assess pedal feel and engagement point.
- Scan for traction control intervention (can mimic slip).
- If slipping increases quickly, plan replacement.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- Avoid hard pulls — slipping accelerates damage.
- Fix oil leaks if contaminating clutch.
- Consider clutch + flywheel as a set if high mileage.
AutoSolveHub helps you narrow possibilities. Always confirm critical repairs with proper testing and safe procedures.