Most forward-thinking consumer cars have an automatic transmission today. However, the stick shift won’t die on us yet. The high-performance niche, as well as old cars and a handful of new ones, are available with a manual option.
And as long as manual transmission vehicles are running, there will be a need for clutch services. So, how much does it cost to replace a clutch, you might ask?
Currently, the average cost to replace a clutch will range from $750 to $2,000, depending on a variety of variables we’ll touch on later. The full clutch job involves replacing the clutch plate, master and slave cylinders, fluids and springs.
It’s worth noting that clutch repairs are not unusual, as well. Your car may only need a new fluid, cable adjustment, or a new clutch cylinder. The repair cost of a clutch will be significantly lower.
What Does the Clutch Do?
Everyone knows that a car has an engine to make it move, but not everybody understands a clutch and what it does. A clutch engages or disengages your power transmission from a driving shaft to a driven shaft.
Clutches connect rotating shafts. Your car may have two or more under the hood. If your vehicle is a manual transmission, the clutch will link the shaft that connects to the engine and the shafts that make the wheels turn. The motor is going to spin continuously, while you don’t want the wheels to spin under all circumstances.
One of the shafts that are rotating will connect to the engine or power unit which will be your driving member, and the other rotating shaft will be your driven member providing an output for work in our example.
The clutch connects the shafts, thereby allowing them to be engaged (at the same speed), slipping (operating at different speeds), or disengaged (operating at different speeds). The motions are typically rotary, but linear clutches exist.
How Long Does a Clutch Usually Last?
A clutch can last anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles or more. Most average around 60,000 miles before needing replacement. How long a clutch lasts depends on many factors: driving habits, climate and environment, make/model of vehicle, clutch manufacturer, and traffic type.
The less you use it, the less wear and tear, and the longer it will last. There are many ways to prolong the life of your clutch:
- In traffic, always place your car in neutral and use the hand brake or park to keep the car still and not the clutch.
- Do not use the clutch pedal to control your speed; use the accelerator and brake pedals instead.
- Always release the clutch fully before accelerating and engaging in any gear.
- Service your vehicle regularly.
Signs you need a new clutch
Although there is no standard recommendation of when to replace a clutch, it is important to be able to identify the symptoms of a failing clutch. In some instances, the first symptom of a clutch going bad may just be that drivability feels different.
As the state of the clutch worsens, certain symptoms will become noticeable, including:
- Slipping while in first gear.
- Gear shifting becomes difficult.
- A shudder or clunky feeling when changing gear.
- The clutch pedal is harder to push.
- The engine revs, but the speed doesn’t increase.
The average cost to replace a clutch.
The average cost to replace a clutch ranges from $750 to $2,500. The average person spends about $1,200 to $1,500, which is generally equally split between the cost of a new clutch and labor to install it.
Factors that affect the price of clutch replacement.
There can be significant variation in how expensive a new clutch may be. Here are some of the factors which will influence what your total costs would be:
- The car you’re driving. If you’re driving a luxury car, or truck, or a high-performance car, you can expect to pay more for a clutch replacement. You can typically also expect to pay more for labor if you go to the dealer or specialty shop to work on these types of vehicles.
- The clutch kit was selected. A clutch kit contains all of the parts needed to replace a clutch. Manufacturer suggested (OEM kits) clutch kits are going to cost more than aftermarket kits.
- The performance level of your car. High-performance vehicles produce a lot of horsepower and need high-performance clutches, typically increasing costs.
- Labor cost. Replacing a clutch takes a lot of time, so labor costs can be hundreds of dollars. Calling around and getting estimates from different mechanics can potentially help you save on labor costs.
Replacement Clutch Cost Examples by Vehicle
Since there is so much fluctuation in clutch replacement costs depending on your specific vehicle, this information is designed to give you a general idea of what to expect.
BMW: You could end up paying over $2,000 for a BMW clutch replacement.
Ford: Replacing the clutch in a Ford F-150 or Ford Ranger typically costs between $600 and $900. However, this price does not account for replacing the internal slave cylinder, which you’ll probably do anyway, and will add another $150 – $200. The clutch replacement cost for a 2014 Ford Focus or 2012 Ford Focus is $800 – $950, while a Ford Mustang clutch replacement cost will come in between $900 – $1,200.
Harley-Davidson: Expect a Harley-Davidson clutch replacement cost to be $600 – $1,100.
Honda: A Honda Civic clutch replacement cost will typically be $499 – $800 depending on what is being replaced and the type of engine, so expect a similar range for the Honda Accord clutch replacement cost. As an example, the Honda Civic Si will cost more on average than a standard 2001 Honda Civic clutch replacement cost.
Jeep: The Jeep Wrangler clutch replacement cost will likely be $1,300 – $1,400, in the same range as the Jeep JK clutch replacement cost.
Mazda: Mazda clutch replacements will cost $550 – $800, again depending on what parts need replacing and what kind of engine you have. You can expect the Mazda 3 clutch replacement cost to be in this category.
Miata: Expect a Miata clutch replacement cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 – $1,200.
Mini: Although the Mini Cooper clutch replacement cost see a significant amount of fluctuation, expect to shell out $1,200 – $2,000 overall. If you need to replace the flywheel, then you can expect the upper end of the spectrum.
Subaru: The average Subaru clutch replacement cost will be between $500 – $1,000 or more. Expect your Subaru Impreza clutch replacement cost to be between $1,200 – $1,400 with a similar range for a Subaru Forester clutch replacement cost and Subaru WRX clutch replacement cost. The Subaru outback clutch replacement cost is in the $1,150 – $1,600 as well.
Toyota: A Toyota pickup clutch replacement typically falls in the range of $600 – $900 depending on whether it is a 4×4 and if it has a four-cylinder or V6. Expect to be in this range for a Toyota Tacoma clutch replacement cost. A Toyota Camry clutch replacement cost usually remains $600 – $900 depending on engine variation.
Volkswagen: VW Jetta clutch replacement will cost you $500 – $1,500. Expect to be close to the upper end of the range if your VW uses a special flywheel, which is very common, depending on the engine and transmission.
How Long Does It Take to Replace the Clutch?
How long clutch replacement takes depends on the type of vehicle you drive, but generally takes from two to six hours. Hence, most people have to pick the vehicle up either later that same day or the next day.
That being said, this is just a guideline, so your clutch installation may take longer than expected if there is space cluttered around the clutch or if the clutch is especially damaged.
For example, a rear-wheel drive vehicle indicating clutch replacement usually takes a shorter amount of time because it is typically easier to have access to the clutch while working on it compared to a front wheel drive vehicle.
However, if you want a better estimate on how long clutch replacement will take, inquire with your mechanic scheduled to do the job.
The mechanic will be able to assess your situation based on your vehicle, potentially any signs of damage specified, and provide a rough idea of how long it will take.
However, keep in mind, as with any car maintenance task, you can never be perfectly accurate until you are underneath the hood and see what you are looking at.
Can You Change a Car Clutch Yourself?
If you know a little about mechanics, you can learn to change a clutch yourself. However, changing the clutch is one of the most complicated automotive repairs that you’ll consider doing at home, so it will be very difficult for most people.
To change the clutch, you’ll have to remove your drive shaft and then take the transmission apart. Depending on the kind of car, you might even need to hoist the engine to get it out.
It is Better to Get a Professional Replacement
Unless you’re good with cars and already have all the equipment, you should consider getting a professional to do the clutch replacement.
You Can Sometimes Adjust the Clutch Pedal
Most clutch repairs require a professional, but for a reasonable price, you can probably get a clutch pedal adjustment done yourself, which may save you some money. This will not help if you have to replace the complete clutch, but it may give you some time before that becomes necessary.
You would adjust the clutch pedal as the clutch disc wears down and the tolerances change inside the auto, therefore adjusting the clutch pedal will fix the point at which the pedal engages the auto’s clutch mechanism.
Depending on your auto, you may also be able to adjust the distance of how far the clutch travels and how high it sits physically.
On a auto, first you need to remove a lock nut that stops you from moving the clutch by accident. Then you can turn the clutch rod which is about where the distance from your clutch pedal was. Again, the adjustment of the distance is quite simple, which gives you quicker engagement when using a shorter distance and later engagement with a longer distance.
You may even have an automatic clutch adjustment on your auto. If this is the case, then you’ll just need to pull the clutch all the way up away from the floor before letting it fall back down.
If you have this, luck should be on your side and your adjustment is most likely at the back of your clutch pedal; it could also be implying the fire wall, under the hood or anywhere else. You should hopefully check your owners’ manual to see what’s applicable for your auto.
The only drawback for you adjusting your clutch your self is that you’ll need to be aware of how much and which way to adjust the clutch if you do not have an automatic clutch adjustment. You’ll want to pay attention to your driving right after this and see how it engages. Then repeat your adjustments until you see a reliable and smooth response from your auto.
Is It Worth Replacing the Clutch?
Sometimes, it may not be worth replacing the clutch for your auto. For example, maybe you just don’t have the money for the repair. Or maybe you’re at the latest of many repairs, or your auto is old and consistently wears out and parts need to be repaired.
Or you simply possess an auto that’s value is just slightly higher than the actual cost of the repair depending on your market.
Regardless of your situation, if you’re auto does not make sense for a clutch replacement, there are other options besides replacing the clutch.