Clutch repairs have a reputation for being expensive, but the cost depends on the nature of the problem and your car's make/model. If you suspect your clutch might need repairing or replacing, take your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible to avoid causing more damage.

The grinding noise is caused by the metal backing plate clamping onto the disc instead of the pad, which is worn away. Learn more about how brakes work in this guide.

Gringing when you apply the brakes is most likely due to worn brake pads. However, typically, it happens at a later stage of brake wear and is preceded by a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound.

A bad wheel bearing may emit a quiet grinding sound all the time, speeding up and slowing down as you do, but the noise often becomes more noticeable when you turn. Other symptoms include uneven tyre wear, ABS failure, and the vehicle pulling to one side.

If you only hear a grinding sound when your AC is on, this indicates a problem with the compressor. The compressor sends refrigerant through the air conditioner’s lines and allows a heat exchange.

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The alternator charges the battery and provides the vehicle with electrical power while the engine runs. As it ages, the bearings inside the alternator wear out, and the pulley becomes slack enough to move side to side while spinning. This movement causes a grinding noise.

If the sound isn’t coming from your brakes and happens while the engine is running, you may have a problem with your water pump. Grinding noises from the water pump usually indicate worn bearings.

Constant velocity (CV) joints are located at each end of the drive shaft, connecting the wheels to the axle and transmission. They shift torque to the wheels at a controlled speed and are responsible for the up and down motion of the suspension system.

Simply put, the clutch's purpose is to separate the engine from the wheels, allowing you to change gears. It consists of the clutch plate, pressure plate and flywheel. This guide discusses how long a clutch lasts.

The first step is accurately diagnosing the problem with the aircon system, which is done during an aircon service. The average price when you book through FixMyCar is £101.30.

You shouldn't ignore signs of a bad wheel bearing because when it fails, the affected wheel will stop working and may even fall off - which is particularly dangerous if you're driving at speed when it happens.

When a CV joint starts to fail, you'll likely notice your car pulling to one side due to a wheel losing power, and this movement may also be accompanied by a grinding, ticking or clicking noise. You shouldn't drive with a damaged CV joint because it is dangerous and will cause further damage.

If you have any other issues with your car that you'd like to try to diagnose yourself, check out our guide on self-diagnosing car problems. The more you know about how your car works, the better.

Sometimes, cars seem to have a language of their own. Understanding the meaning behind the unusual noises they make can help you diagnose problems early. This guide focuses on the most common causes of grinding noises.

It's always best to fix brake problems as soon as you notice them because the longer you leave them, the more expensive the repair is likely to be.

If there is a problem with one or all of these components, you’re likely to experience several symptoms in addition to a grinding noise:

While it’s possible to replace the bearings, the seals will likely be worn, too, so the whole water pump is usually replaced as a precaution. You shouldn't put this repair off - a faulty water pump could cause your engine to overheat, resulting in more damage and an expensive repair bill.

The pistons often make an unpleasant grinding sound when the compressor wears down. Getting your AC repaired isn’t urgent, as it won’t affect the overall functionality of your car. However, you should consider booking a replacement if summer is approaching.