diff --git a/drivers/clk/clk.c b/drivers/clk/clk.c
index 9760b526ca31..97c09243fb21 100644
--- a/drivers/clk/clk.c
+++ b/drivers/clk/clk.c
@@ -691,6 +691,9 @@ static void clk_core_unprepare(struct clk_core *core)
 	    "Unpreparing critical %s\n", core->name))
 		return;
 
+	if (core->flags & CLK_SET_RATE_GATE)
+		clk_core_rate_unprotect(core);
+
 	if (--core->prepare_count > 0)
 		return;
 
@@ -765,6 +768,16 @@ static int clk_core_prepare(struct clk_core *core)
 
 	core->prepare_count++;
 
+	/*
+	 * CLK_SET_RATE_GATE is a special case of clock protection
+	 * Instead of a consumer claiming exclusive rate control, it is
+	 * actually the provider which prevents any consumer from making any
+	 * operation which could result in a rate change or rate glitch while
+	 * the clock is prepared.
+	 */
+	if (core->flags & CLK_SET_RATE_GATE)
+		clk_core_rate_protect(core);
+
 	return 0;
 unprepare:
 	clk_core_unprepare(core->parent);
@@ -1888,9 +1901,6 @@ static int clk_core_set_rate_nolock(struct clk_core *core,
 	if (clk_core_rate_is_protected(core))
 		return -EBUSY;
 
-	if ((core->flags & CLK_SET_RATE_GATE) && core->prepare_count)
-		return -EBUSY;
-
 	/* calculate new rates and get the topmost changed clock */
 	top = clk_calc_new_rates(core, req_rate);
 	if (!top)