Most modern consumer cars come with an automatic transmission these days. But the stick shift isn’t dead yet. High-performance cars, older vehicles, and a few new models come with a manual variant. And as long as manual vehicles are still running, people still need clutch services. So how much does it cost to replace a clutch, then?
These days, clutch replacement costs $500 to $2,000, depending on several factors, which will be discussed later. A full clutch change includes replacing the clutch plate, master and slave cylinders, and fluids and springs.
However, it’s important to note that clutch repairs are also not uncommon. Sometimes, your vehicle might only need a fluid change, a cable adjustment, or even just a clutch cylinder replacement. Note that clutch repair costs are considerably lower.
In layman’s terms, a clutch is a mechanism that disconnects the engine from the transmission and allows you to change your gears or put it on neutral. Though manual and automatic transmission engines have clutch mechanisms, only vehicles with a stick shift have an actual clutch pedal.
How much is a new clutch? We’ve prepared a quick cost guide for your reference. These are only estimates, so speak to a mechanic for an accurate assessment.
Brand
Average clutch replacement cost
Ford
$750
Honda
$650
Mazda
$550 to $800
Toyota
$900
Volkswagen
$1000
Mini Cooper
$1600
BMW
$2000+
Item
Cost
Clutch kit
$320
Oil, liquids, cables, and minor parts
$45 to $100
Flywheel
$500
Master and slave cylinders
$100 to $300 each
Here are some signs that your clutch is nearing the end of its service life. If you notice any of these, get your car diagnosed by an expert as soon as possible.
Difficulty in shifting gears
A burning smell coming from your engine
Hard clutch or unable to depress the clutch pedal
Vehicle shudders during gear change
High engine RPMs but no increase in speed
Clutch pedal stuck or not returning to its original position
One major factor is vehicle age. For everyday, mass-market consumer vehicles, you shouldn’t have a problem sourcing parts, especially if many of the same models or generations are still available. A clutch replacement could be costly for newer cars if you’re forced to source parts from the brand dealership. Finally, the necessary parts eventually become scarce for older vehicles, but you can use a rebuilt clutch or reach out to original equipment manufacturers.
It would help if you also considered your vehicle’s make and model. Clutch replacement for a 4x4 or SUV will be more expensive than for a small hatch or a mass-market sedan. Clutch repair and replacement services will cost much more for luxury and high-performance cars.
During clutch replacement, mechanics will most likely have to remove the transmission. Cars with intricate systems that limit clutch and transmission accessibility require more care and labor, driving up the project’s overall cost.
Parts and repair and replacement kits might cost the same in several areas. On the other hand, the labor cost ranges from $75 to $125 per hour, depending on the area. Since there isn’t standard pricing for labor when it comes to clutch replacement costs, mechanics can set the prices.
DIY jobs and apprentice mechanics are affordable, but some things are worth spending on. It’s better to hire an experienced mechanic with the right skill set for a successful clutch replacement service. Essentially, you won’t have to worry about rookie mistakes if you seek professional help. Even minor errors could make you spend more in the long run and compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Are you ready to book a mobile mechanic to examine your car? Simply post a task and wait for offers to come in. Be sure to review the profiles of prospective Taskers and choose one who fits your budget and schedule. You can include the following info when filling out the request form:
Vehicle make and model
Your location, budget, and preferred time/date
Car issues you’ve encountered
Additional information or requests
Remember that specific details will help Taskers provide you with accurate quotes. Log on to Airtasker and have your clutch replaced today!
A clutch pressure plate is a component of a manual transmission system. In order to switch gears in a manual transmission, it is necessary to momentarily disengage the transmission from the engine. That is the job of the clutch. The clutch has two main components - the clutch disc and the pressure plate.
The clutch pressure plate is a large circular steel plate that applies spring loaded pressure to the clutch disc, holding it against the flywheel during normal driving operation. When you press on the clutch pedal, the spring tension inside the pressure plate is overcome and the clutch disc spins freely. This disengages the transmission from the engine so that you can select a different gear.