Your clutch cable is the connection between your clutch pedal and the clutch itself. If your car is a manual, then you’ll know the importance of the clutch working as it should. The cable is prone to stretching and needing adjustment. In some cases it can even snap, if it does or if you want to preemptively fix the problem, you’ll need a new clutch cable.

What is a clutch cable?

The clutch cable is a braided steel line that connects from the pedal arm and gets routed to the transmission. There it connects to the clutch fork and disengages the clutch and allows you to select a new gear. 

Why do you need a clutch cable replacement?

If the clutch cable breaks or loses its tension, then it can lead to the clutch not disengaging as it should. This can cause damage to the gears and to the engine. Both of these are far more expensive than a simple cable.

How to tell if you need a new clutch cable

If you notice the clutch is not fully engaging when you depress the clutch pedal, it can mean the clutch cable needs adjusting. If the clutch doesn’t engage at all when you depress the pedal, that may mean the cable has broken.

What’s involved in getting a clutch cable replaced?

The mechanic will put the car into neutral and hoist the car up. They will then disconnect the cable from the clutch pedal arm. Then they will be able to pull the cable through to the transmission. There it will be disconnected from the clutch fork and the new cable can be connected in its place and routed through to the pedal arm. The assembly will be tested and checked to make sure that the right amount of engagement is happening. 

How much does a clutch cable replacement cost near Ashburton?

It’s not a very expensive cable and not too difficult to replace. Prices generally start around $100 and can sometimes go over $250.

How often do I need a clutch cable replaced?

They will typically only need adjusting. They should last well over 150,000km and most cables will outlive the transmission. 

Is a broken clutch cable unsafe?

It will prevent you from changing gears and thus prevent you from driving. If your cable breaks then it’s something that will need to be fixed as soon as possible.

You can find a mechanic near Ashburton with My Auto Shop