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 $750 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.
What Does the Clutch Do?
Everyone knows that a car has an engine to power it, but not everyone is familiar with a clutch or how it works. This mechanism both engages and disengages your power transmission from the driving shaft to the driven shaft.
It connects rotating shafts, and there can be two or more of these under your hood. If you drive a manual transmission, the clutch is connected to both the shaft coming from the engine and the shafts that turn the wheels. While the motor is going to spin constantly, you don’t want the wheels continually spinning.
One of the rotating shafts is going to be connected to the engine or power unit, this will be the driving member, while the other rotating shaft, or driven member, provides output for work.
For example, a drill has a shaft that’s driven by a motor and one that’s driven by a drill chuck.
The clutch connects the shafts so they can be engaged (spin at the same speed), slipping (spinning at different speeds), or disengaged (spinning at different speeds). Typically, you’ll find that these motions are rotary; although, linear clutches are possible.
How Long Does a Clutch Usually Last?
The average clutch lasts anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 miles or more. However, most last about 60,000 miles before they need replacement. Determining how long a clutch will last depends on factors such as driving habits, climate and environment, make and model, the clutch brand, and the type of traffic.
The less you use your clutch, the less wear and tear, and the longer the lifespan. There are various ways to increase its life expectancy, such as:
- When in traffic, always put your car in neutral and apply the hand brake instead of using the clutch to make the vehicle stand still.
- Avoid using the clutch pedal to control the speed of your vehicle. Instead, use the accelerator and brakes.
- Before accelerating, release the clutch fully and engage the gear.
- Regularly service your car.
Signs you need a new clutch
Since there’s no standard recommendation for how often the clutch should be replaced, it’s important to know the signs that your clutch is failing. Sometimes, the first sign that your clutch is failing is that driving your car simply feels different. As the condition of the clutch gets worse, you’ll notice specific signs, including:
- Slipping when you’re in first gear
- Difficulty shifting gears
- A shudder or clunking feeling while shifting gears
- The clutch pedal becoming more difficult to push
- The engine revving, but the speed not increasing
Average cost to replace a clutch
The average cost to replace a clutch can range between $750 and $2,500, depending on the type of vehicle you drive. On average, people spend about $1,200 to $1,500. About half of that goes toward the cost of a new clutch, and half is the cost of labor for installing it.
Factors that impact the price of clutch replacement
There’s a wide range of how much a new clutch can cost. The factors that will impact your total include:
- The type of car you drive. Luxury vehicles, trucks and high-performance vehicles generally have clutches that are more expensive to replace. In addition, the labor costs for working on these vehicles are usually higher, especially if you go to the dealership or specialty shop.
- The clutch kit you choose. A clutch kit contains all the pieces of the clutch that are needed for a replacement. Kits that come right from your manufacturer (OEM kits) are more expensive than kits from aftermarket makers.
- The performance level of your vehicle. High-performance cars with lots of horsepower need more powerful clutches, which are more expensive.
- Labor costs. Replacing the clutch is a time-intensive process, so labor costs can be hundreds of dollars. Calling various mechanics to get estimates may help you reduce labor costs.
Examples of Replacement Clutch Cost by Vehicle
Since there is so much variation in the price of replacing a clutch depending on your auto, the following information can give you a better idea of what to expect.
BMW
You may pay more than $2,000 for a BMW clutch replacement cost.
Ford
Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger clutch replacement typically costs $600 to $900. However, that does not include the internal slave cylinder replacement, which is likely needed and will cost an extra $150 to $200.
The 2014 Ford Focus clutch replacement cost or 2012 Ford Focus clutch replacement cost is $800 to $950, and the Ford Mustang clutch replacement cost is $900 to $1,200.
Harley Davidson
Expect a Harley Davidson clutch replacement cost to be $600 to $1,100.
Honda
A Honda Civic clutch replacement cost is usually $499 to $800, based on the parts to be replaced and the engine, with similar figures for a Honda Accord clutch replacement cost.
For example, the replacement in the Honda Civic Si should be more expensive than a standard 2001 Honda Civic clutch replacement cost.
Jeep
The Jeep Wrangler clutch replacement cost will likely reach $1,300 to $1,400, about the same for the Jeep JK clutch replacement cost.
Mazda
A Mazda clutch replacement will usually be $550 to $800, based on the parts in need of replacement and the engine. Expect the Mazda 3 clutch replacement cost to be in this range.
Miata
Expect a Miata clutch replacement cost to be around $1,000 to $1,200.
Mini
There is a great deal of variation in the Mini Cooper clutch replacement cost, typically costing $1,200 to $2,000. It will be on the higher end of the spectrum when flywheel replacement is needed.
Subaru
The average Subaru clutch replacement cost will range from $500 to $1,000 or more. Expect a Subaru Impreza clutch replacement cost between $1,200 and $1,400, with a similar range for a Subaru Forester clutch replacement cost and the Subaru WRX clutch replacement cost. The Subaru outback clutch replacement cost comes at $1,150 to $1,600.
Toyota
A Toyota pickup clutch replacement will usually require $600 to $900, based on whether it is a 4×4 and whether it has a four-cylinder or V6. Expect a figure in this range for the Toyota Tacoma clutch replacement cost.
A Toyota Camry clutch replacement cost is usually $600 to $900, once again varying based on the engine.
Volkswagen
VW Jetta clutch replacement is usually $500 to $1,500. It will be on the higher end of the spectrum if your VW has a special flywheel, which is common.
How Long Does It Take to Replace the Clutch?
The time it takes to replace a clutch can vary depending on the type of vehicle you have, but it’s generally between two and six hours. For many, this means you could take your car into the garage in the morning and get it back the very same day!
However, these are just guidelines, not a guarantee. Your clutch replacement may take longer than expected if it’s hard to access amongst the rest of the workings of the car, or if it is particularly damaged.
For example, it usually takes a shorter time to replace the clutch of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, because the clutch is more easily accessible than in a front wheel drive.
If you want a more accurate estimate of how long your clutch replacement will take, it’s best to speak to the mechanic who will be doing the job.
They can then evaluate your specific situation based on the vehicle you drive and any signs of clutch damage you’ve reported in order to give you a rough quote for how long it will take.
As with any car maintenance task, though, it’s impossible to be entirely accurate until you’re under the bonnet and can see what you’re dealing with.
Can You Replace a Clutch Yourself?
If you have some mechanical knowledge, you can learn how to replace a clutch yourself. However, this is among the most complex automotive repairs that you should consider doing at home, so it will be a challenge for most people.
Replacing the clutch will require you to first remove your drive shaft before disassembling your transmission. Depending on your car, you may need a hoist to support the engine.
Professional Replacement Is Better
Unless you are very good with cars and have the necessary equipment already, you should strongly consider leaving the clutch replacement to the professionals.
You Can Likely Adjust Your Clutch Pedal
While most clutch repairs require professional help, you can likely adjust the clutch pedal yourself, which is a way to save money. This will not help you if you need a full clutch replacement, but it may extend the life of your clutch.
You may need to adjust the clutch pedal as your clutch disc wears down, which changes the tolerances inside. This process of adjusting the clutch pedal corrects the point at which the pedal will engage the auto’s clutch mechanism. Depending on your auto, you may also be able to adjust the clutch’s travel distance and physical height.
Before adjusting it, you would need to remove a locking nut that prevents you from accidentally adjusting the clutch. Then you can turn the clutch rod to change its distance from your clutch pedal. Shorter distances result in quicker engagement, while longer distances result in later engagement.
You might even own an auto with automatic clutch adjustment. If this is the case, you just need to pull the clutch up, so it goes away from the floor before letting it fall back. If your car has this feature, it is likely behind the clutch pedal, but it may be by the fire wall, under the hood, or somewhere else. Check your owner’s manual to see where yours is.
The caveat with adjusting your clutch yourself is knowing which direction and how much to adjust it if you do not have an automatic clutch adjustment. You will need to pay attention to driving right after this to see how the clutch engages. Keep adjusting until you notice reliable and smooth responses.
Is It Worth Replacing the Clutch?
Sometimes, it may not be worth it to replace the clutch in your auto. Maybe you simply cannot afford the repairs. Perhaps it is the latest of many repairs, or your auto is starting to get older. Maybe your car’s value is barely higher than the repair costs.
No matter the case, there are options available other than replacing the clutch.