Is your clutch bad, and do you want to know the average clutch replacement cost? If so, you are on the right page.
You should know a car’s clutch if you’re driving a vehicle with manual transmission because anytime you want to shift gear, you will have to press the clutch pedal. Also, the clutch is an integral component of your vehicle’s drive train.
Now, you might ask, what would happen if the clutch begins to develop issues? Whenever your clutch is bad, it could prevent you from changing gears properly or prevent your vehicle from activating the gear. So, to drive your car properly, you will have to get it fixed, but you might wonder, how much will clutch replacement cost?
In this article, we will offer you details on how much it will cost you, how you can do the repairing yourself and lots more.
How Much Does Clutch Replacement Cost?
On average, to replace your vehicle’s clutch, you would most likely spend about $1,200. The amount is between $900- $1,800, based on the shop and the vehicle you are making use of. The dealership would be more costly than an independent car repair shop.
Like every other auto repair, the clutch replacement cost depends on the model and make of your car. Usually, this work requires a few hours for a skilled mechanic to complete.
The cost for labor could be around $500-$800. In most situations, the parts you need to finish the repair would cost anywhere from $400-$600. But, the cost would increase if the clutch is severely worn out and has spoiled other parts too.
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Clutch Replacement Price Factors
One of the factors which greatly determine the price is the labor cost. This is because sometimes, replacing your clutch might take about 3 to 6 hours or more.
That is at least about $300 to $609 for most mechanics. Additionally, the clutch itself is expensive.
So, if you need to change the slave ring and the master cylinder in addition to the clutch, it might cost you an extra $40 to $500. Some of these factors that influence the clutch replacement cost include:
1. The Mechanic’s Rate
Some mechanics usually charge between $25 to $205 for one hour. You can expect to pay about $60 in a local mechanic shop. Either way, the rate would begin from $94.99 and above if you visit a bigger shop.
And if you are paying for like 6 hours the mechanic will use in fixing the clutch, you’ll be paying about $360 to $1,230 for the labor cost.
You have to pay extra charges if the work still needs more time. Some mechanics set out a full day to do the work because of the intensity of the work, and they charge for it.
Additionally, it is normal for you to pay the shop fee as part of the work. Most mechanics charge about 5% to 20% rate for the whole work.
The money is covering the electricity, reception, etc., Instead of the normal rate per hour by the mechanic. And if the work is big, the price can be cut down.
2. Cost of the Part/Type of Part
The clutches are expensive. Usually, the cheapest one is about $100 for the universal model of a budget brand.
Additionally, some manufacturers, such as Toyota and Ford, have the most affordable parts, normally around $180. If it’s a Mini Cooper or Honda, the range could be between $300 to $600 for the parts.
Clutches are complex, and they are made of different metal gears which need to function together perfectly. In addition, they are expensive to build, and if you buy one of low quality, it could damage the engine.
Hence, you could save money if you go for secondhand or remanufactured clutches. Most remanufactured parts are parts that meet the initial specifications of the manufacturers.
Usually, the cost is around half the price of the original one. Nevertheless, some of the mechanics can not work with the remanufactured part.
In addition, you can get a secondhand part from a garage or junkyard. Nevertheless, if you think about the work involved in removing the old clutch, you might not want to go for this option.
Lastly, if you purchase the OEM from your dealer, you should expect your clutch to be among the higher range in the chart listed above.
3. Additional Parts
Most times, clutches are counted as part of the transmission. Therefore, you may need to refinish or replace the master cylinder, slave cylinder, or flywheel. It would be best if you replaced the gaskets and seals, and normally, it’ll cost some money to get each of them.
Nevertheless, the cost of a slave cylinder is about $100. For a flywheel, the cost is around $100 to $500. For a master cylinder, the cost is around $100 to $200. The prices mentioned here can affect the whole cost of the work done
Additionally, if your flywheel is resurfacing, you have to spend an additional $40 to $100; this depends on the rate your mechanic charges for one hour.
Apart from the price increasing if things go bad, it’s necessary to also know what your mechanic charges.
For example, your mechanic might charge $300 or more, but if you assume that the slave and master cylinder needs to be changed and you have to resurface the flywheel, this might be a good deal.
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How Your Car’s Clutch Works
If your vehicle is an automatic transmission, you might not have to wonder how the clutch functions. Nevertheless, the automatic transmission has a clutch too.
In a situation whereby your vehicle has a manual transmission, you must operate the clutch manually. The clutch helps to transfer energy from your engine to the transmission at a very high level. This process enables your vehicle’s wheels to rotate as your engine is working. Let’s talk more about this.
As the engine is running, the camshaft inside rotates. The flywheel that is attached on the outside also spins. The clutch disc of the car firmly presses against your flywheel. It also spins anytime you engage the clutch since it’s pressed against the flywheel.
If the clutch disc spins, it sends the engine’s power to the transmission, which results in the wheel spinning.
Another part that is pressed firmly on the clutch disc is the pressure plate. The plate has powerful and large strings, which can hold the disc tightly against your flywheel. Whenever you engage the clutch pedal, the throw-out bearing disengages this plate. This enables you to shift gears since it releases your clutch disc.
As you release the clutch pedal, the disc is pressed against your flywheel again, and energy transfer happens.
In the end, the disc begins to wear out and will no longer hold firmly against the flywheel. If this occurs, you might start thinking that the transmission Is slipping and needs to be serviced. But, instead, it’s your clutch that’s slipping.
This is the right time to get your clutch repaired, and most time, you might have to replace the clutch whenever this occurs. So instead of incurring the cost of transmission repair, it’ll be the cost of the clutch alone.
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Symptoms of a Bad Clutch
You might notice or hear signs indicating that your clutch is going bad. Most times, these signs can give a rough idea of the problem and could also provide you with a good idea of how to scope the costs.
For example, replacing a single ring would be cheaper compared to when you have to replace the complete clutch.
1. Slipping of the Clutch
When the clutch starts slipping, you will normally observe the engine. For example, the engine might run slower or faster even if you are not doing anything.
You will begin to notice this when you load your vehicle down or drive uphill. As the clutch gets worse, you will also notice some problems whenever you slow down or speed up.
In the long run, the clutch might fail, and your vehicle will not be able to do anything or move. In most cases, the gears begin to slip from one gear to another, which could result in total failure.
Whenever this occurs, timely maintenance can lessen the cost of maintenance by reducing the possible damage.
2. Stiff or Soft Clutch Pedal
Another sign is if your clutch pedal is stiff or soft. Usually, this implies that your pressure plate has a problem. Unfortunately, this also means that your clutch assembly has a problem itself.
For example, if a clutch is stiff, it is the first sign of a bad master cylinder. You might be able to repair just the damaged part if you attend to the problem before the bad cylinder leads to more damage.
Nevertheless, if you have a stiff or soft pedal at any time, try and check these parts.
Nowadays, pedals make use of hydraulics. Of course, this implies that you have to inspect the level of hydraulic too. Nevertheless, it’s always a smart move to get the whole clutch inspected.
3. If Shifting Gears Is Hard
The clutch might be at fault if you’re finding it hard to shift gears in a manual transmission. The clutch might also be at fault if your vehicle delays or finds it hard to shift gear in an automatic transmission.
4. The Clutch Makes Noises
Whenever you engage your clutch, and it starts to grind, rattle, click, or make any noise, there’s a problem. Usually, you should not hear any sound from the clutch cabin. But if you hear any sound, take your vehicle for a checkup immediately.
5. Higher Clutch
As you use the clutches over time, they tend to age. Modern vehicles adjust this automatically using hydraulics. Regardless, if the clutch begins to ride very high and your hydraulics cannot fix it, it means you have to replace the clutch.
6. The Clutch Pedal Is on the Floor
The throw-out bearing, the hydraulic system, or the clutch plate might have issues if the clutch pedal is on the ground. This means you can just top the hydraulic fluid to solve this.
Nevertheless, it could also mean you must replace the clutch completely. The main point is to get your clutch checked and repaired immediately.
How Long Should a Clutch Last?
Usually, there is no specific replacement mileage recommended for a clutch. The durability is based on many factors, including the condition of the areas you drive to and the type of car you have.
Nevertheless, the clutch assembly has a maximum lifespan, just like every other component. Most times, they can last for at least 50,000 miles, while some 100,000 miles or even more.
As time goes on, the friction between the flywheel and the clutch could wear out. This can happen sooner than expected if your vehicle is regularly subjected to heavy loads. In some situations, the clutch might last for at least 35,000 miles.
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How to Replace a Clutch
You must know that replacing the clutch yourself can be complicated. One of the biggest factors that makes it complicated is dropping the transmission. And you might have to drop the transmission without a lift if you don’t have one.
This will call for the use of a block or jack to support the transmission and endure the transmission being taken back into your vehicle. It is important since the transmission could weigh about 400lbs.
If it’s not dropped into an assembly that can be jacked up back to its position, it’s possible that you might not be able to take it back into your vehicle.
Things You Will Need:
- Lug wrench
- Jack stands + Jack
- Tie rod separator
- Wrench set
- Disposable Towels
- Disposable Gloves
- Drain pan
- Grease
- Penetrating fluid
- Pry bar
- Clutch alignment tool
Replacing the Clutch
Safety precautions should be the first thing to be considered when replacing the clutch. This means you should park your vehicle on a level and flat surface.
You would also need to check the wheels. Finally, turn the vehicle off and remove the key from the ignition.
Lastly, most people disconnect the battery from the negative terminal to ensure there’s no short circuit when they are working on the car.
- Lose the front wheel lugs. Then raise the front of the vehicle and use a jack stand to stabilize it.
- Remove the wheels.
- Remove the gearbox oil in the drive shaft.
- Completely remove the wheels by taking out the axle nuts and bolts.
- Loose the bolts of the wheel from the drive shaft, and use a wrench or the tie rod and hammer to take out the CV shaft.
- Take out the drive shaft.
- Repeat the steps for the other parts
- While under the vehicle, remove the bolts of the slave cylinder clutch. You might have to use the penetrating fluid on the bolt. Remove the slave cylinder. If there’s a new system, it would be connected to your clutch.
- Loose the starter from your transmission.
- Loose the bolts that are holding your transmission to the engine. This will give you access to the engine’s bottom and top parts.
- Put a jack beneath the transmission and ensure it’s in position.
- Use a big screwdriver or a pry bar to pry your transmission from the engine. Do this gently so that the transmission can sit safely on the jack.
- From your engine, loose the clutch plate. This normally has six bolts, and you would also have to pry off the plate.
- Grease the engine’s spline gear.
- Then fix in the new clutch. Ensure there’s a throw rod bolt.
- Make use of the alignment tool to put in the rod and clutch. After which, you tighten the bolts.
- Raise the transmission into its position, and wiggle the transmission onto the clutch. Doing this might take some time. Carefully carry this out so that the transmission won’t fall. As soon as you’ve fixed it, the clutch will be replaced.
- Seal the transmission to its position.
- Change your driveshaft
- Bolt the CV shafts back
- Put back the wheels.
- Ensure the gearbox is filled with oil. A low-pressure pump can do this.
The most complicated part is when you want to put back the transmission. You can spend the whole day doing this job if you lack prior experience.
Additionally, you will need to realign the front end after you take out the CV shafts for some vehicles. Again, your mechanic can help you with this.
Frequently Asked Questions – Clutch Replacement Cost
Is replacing a clutch a big job?
Changing your vehicle’s clutch is a complicated job, which requires many hours. It also requires that you disconnect the transmission and driveshaft of your vehicle, and the vehicle can develop some issues if the job is not done effectively. Therefore, the job should only be done by experienced mechanics.
What are some common causes of a bad clutch?
One of them is a worn-out clutch plate. Over time, the plate wears out, and it ends up being replaced. Other reasons are a bad slave or master cylinder, issues related to the pressure plate, defective throw-out bearing, or bad pilot bearing. Again, these parts could fail and can be replaced whenever you install a new clutch.
What is the lifespan of a clutch?
Some clutches last for at least 100,000 miles. Some clutches for heavy-duty vehicles can last for more than 150,000 miles. Nevertheless, clutches for high-performance vehicles only can last around 25,000 miles. This is because the more you ride the clutch pedal, the quicker it wears out.
Is it worth replacing the clutch on a car?
The lifeblood of your vehicle is the clutch. Your engine would be unable to transfer power to the wheels, and if the wheels have no power, your vehicle would just be making noise. This can also happen when the clutch wears out too.
How much does a clutch replacement cost UK?
In the UK, replacing a clutch costs between £450 to £1,000 or even more. Nevertheless, the average cost is around £500 to £620. So getting a new clutch kit would cost you about £325. The time taken to replace a clutch, on average, is around three to five hours.
How long will clutch last?
On average, the clutch would last around 20,000-150,000 miles. Fortunately, the clutch would give you some sign to show that something is wrong somewhere. Do not neglect the sign so that you’ll not be left stranded on the roadside with a car because its gear won’t shift.
How do I know my clutch is going?
It feels spongy, vibrates, or sticks whenever you press the clutch. You might also hear a grumbling or squeaking noise whenever you press the pedal down. If the acceleration is not effective, you also find it difficult to shift gears.
Can a clutch fail suddenly?
Most times, clutch failing suddenly is due to a loose or broken clutch cable, failed or linkable hydraulic slave/master cylinder. The disc can also be contaminated with debris or dirt, or you might also have leakage in the hydraulic lines.
Can I drive with a slipping clutch?
Driving with a slipping clutch is not advised, as this could fail when you least expected it, leaving you stranded on the roadside. To avoid this, it is recommended that you check your clutch after 60,000 miles and drive sensibly.
Can you drive a car with a broken clutch?
The clutch can break or wear off at the pedal arm or pivot. Driving with this can result in additional damage to the shifter, gearbox, or starter motor. So, if you notice any problem regarding your clutch, fix it immediately.
Conclusion – Clutch Replacement Cost
Although your driving style can affect your clutch’s durability, it can still wear out. Most clutches can last about 100,000 miles, though some can wear out at 25,000-30,000 miles. For replacement, it could cost you about $1,200 for fixing. Popular vehicles such as the
Toyota Camry or Honda Civic are usually cheaper, but vehicles such as the Volkswagen or Subaru would be higher. Generally, having a skilled mechanic do the job for you is a great idea, unless you’re sure that you could do the job yourself.