How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Clutch

If you have not burned out the clutch on at least one car, have you truly lived a full life? This is a question men and women with grease under their nails can answer easily. The bigger question on the minds of those who have a clutch slipping is, “How much is this gonna cost me!?” Car Talk experts are here to help.

We realize you need to get back to riding that left pedal a bit too long, so we will answer quickly and then give you the long version of how much it costs to replace a clutch. Car Talk’s researchers have found that replacing your clutch will cost between $750 and $2,500. What brand and model of car you own and where you have the work done will make the difference.

What are symptoms of a car that needs a new clutch?

The classic symptom of a clutch that needs to be replaced is first gear slipping. If you know how to drive a car equipped with a manual transmission, you know what a normal clutch engagement feels like. It starts around mid-pedal throw, and by the time you are at the top of the pedal’s travel, the gear is engaged fully. In a car that has a worn clutch, the engagement will likely be near the very top of the pedal’s travel. Also, there is a “slip feeling” that the car is not properly in its gear after your gear shift is completed. The car then “catches up” to its shift, and the gear feels properly engaged. A vehicle that is difficult to shift from gears 2-6 up to the next gear may also have a worn clutch.

How can I test if I need a new clutch?

One easy way to test the health of your clutch is to try to start out slowly in second gear. If you feel the slip when doing so, have it inspected.

Do grinding gears mean I need a clutch?

If the gears “grind” when you upshift from gears 2 to 6, you may have a clutch problem. But there could also be other problems like worn synchros. Be on the safe side and have the car evaluated by a mechanic.

Why does my clutch need replacing?

Your clutch acts as a friction surface, and that surface can wear out. Although, in theory, a clutch may last the life of a vehicle, we all know that a first-time manual transmission driver will often wear out a clutch. “Riding the clutch” causes the friction material to do more work than it is designed for. It then wears prematurely, and eventually, it wears out to the point that the car has problems. Most experienced manual transmission drivers will not wear a clutch out if they drive maturely and conservatively.

Aggressive sporty driving tends to be tough on clutches as well. Partly because the sporting nature means the driver has less time to do the required shifting steps, but mainly because of hard launches. To propel a car off the line at its fastest pace, a driver will often stress out the clutch at launch. You can even smell the resulting clutch material being burned sometimes.

How is a clutch replaced?

To replace a clutch, your mechanic will disassemble the manual transmission housing to access the clutch assembly. The old parts are removed and recycled, and the new parts are installed. Typically, a clutch replacement will require some special tools to hold parts in place during the reassembly process. A lift, jack stands tall enough to reach the elevated transmission housing, and a shop table are usually used to make the work practical. A clutch replacement is best done by a professional mechanic who has done the job many times. Ideally, one who has done the job on that model of vehicle and has access to the needed special tools. The most important special tool will be a torque wrench. Using power tools to work on a clutch is a bad idea.

A clutch is an assembly with five to seven main parts depending on what you include. In addition to all the parts of the clutch, many mechanics will advise that if the job is to be done, replace the throwout bearing as well. And you may as well inspect and service the shifter linkage assembly.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch?

A clutch replacement is a labor-intensive job usually performed by an experienced mechanic or a junior mechanic under supervision. The job is done in steps, each of which is important to do correctly. So the labor costs are high for a clutch replacement. There are a lot of hand tools required for a clutch replacement, and they are not cheap.

The clutch parts also have their own cost, and it is in the hundreds of dollars, possibly into the thousands of dollar range if the car is a pricey model and you opt for OEM parts or a performance clutch upgrade.

Three factors will determine if your clutch cost is low or high. First, where you have the work done. A local shop is your lowest-cost option, be it a general shop or a transmission specialist. Your car dealer will charge the highest cost.

The next determining factor will be the make and model of the car you have. Is it a high-end German vehicle made in tiny numbers? Your clutch is going to be very pricey. Is it a Mazda Miata? Likely a lower-cost job by comparison.

Last is the cost of the parts. If you opt for aftermarket parts, you may save some money. But is that really a place you want to shave costs? That's your call. Many sports car owners will upgrade a clutch when it needs replacement. They will often also change the flywheel, usually to a “low mass” flywheel. Buying performance parts can be expensive.

Can I replace my own clutch?

If you have a lift, all the special tools you need, and you are adept at working on cars, you probably are not reading this story. You could have written it. Replacing a clutch is a job best left to a pro or a person working on a car strictly for the experience of doing so. Be warned - the dust inside a clutch assembly is hazardous. You don’t want to blow clutch dust into the air and then breathe it or get it in your eyes.

Can I maintain my clutch to prolong its life?

The best way to maintain the life of a clutch and not need to replace it is to learn to use it properly and not beat on the car. It may sound like obvious advice, but many first-time manual transmission-equipped vehicle drivers don’t do these things.

We suggest that owners of manual transmission-equipped cars do more than have an experienced driver take them out once or twice. Have some follow-up instruction sessions to ensure the new driver is not riding the clutch. Hard launches with a manual-equipped car are fun, but they are hard on the clutch.

Read more on the topic of Owning a Car here.