Clutch Replacement Cost [Multiple Models & DIY] – The Definitive Guide 2023

If you own a manual transmission vehicle, you know just how important your clutch is. If it ever fails, you’ll have a hard time getting your car to go anywhere! So, you may be wondering: How much does it cost to replace a clutch? We checked pricing for 7 different vehicles; the results are below.

On average, the clutch replacement cost is between $700 and $3000. The labor cost to replace a clutch is $700, while parts would cost around $300. The lowest clutch replacement cost is a Honda’s at $650, while the BMW clutch replacement was the most expensive at $2000. Replacing only the fan clutch would cost around $400 for parts and labor.

Clutch Replacement Cost Factors

While a clutch replacement can cost anywhere from $500-$2,500 total, the true cost will depend on several factors. Some of these include:

• What parts do you replace
• The type of vehicle you drive
• The cost of labor in your area
• What kind of conditions do you drive in
• The make and model of your vehicle
• Whether you opt for new, used, or remanufactured parts

In general, you should always expect to pay more if you own an exotic, European, or performance car. It’s also usually more expensive to replace the clutch in front-wheel drive vehicles, because more labor is required to remove the transmission. 

The Cost of Replacing a Clutch in Different Vehicles

The make and model of your vehicle is one of the biggest factors when it comes to determining the cost of replacing a clutch. The table below will highlight the average cost for several vehicle makes. 

Chevy S10 Clutch Replacement Cost

The cost to replace a Chevy S10 clutch runs approximately $1,250-$1400, depending on where you get the parts, which parts of the clutch need replacing, and who does the labor. The parts alone are estimated to cost approximately $850, and the labor would cost approximately $400-$500. There are a lot of factors to consider about your particular vehicle before this replacement can be more accurately priced. 

Chevy S10 Clutch Kit

The parts to replace a Chevy S10 clutch are usually all sold together in a “clutch kit.” This runs about $400-$500 new from an auto parts store.

Other options may be cheaper, but you can never tell if those components are authentic until you have your eyes on them or try to use them.

Finding each individual part will usually cost about $100-$150 per part, and they’re not that easy to come by as separate components.

You’re more likely to end up spending twice as much on the individual parts than buying the whole clutch kit in one bundle. 

After the main components in the clutch kit, you may also need to purchase a clutch pedal assembly (around $100) and a master cylinder setup (around $200) in addition to the clutch kit.

If you don’t have the tools to put everything together, including a ratchet set, a ratchet extender, jack, jack stands, transmission stand, and other tools, you’ll also have to purchase these. 

Chevy S10 Flywheel & Clutch Kit

Hyundai Accent Clutch Replacement Cost

Replacing the clutch in your Hyundai Accent costs between $750 and $1,500, depending on your specific vehicle and where you take it for the work. Having the clutch replaced at a local garage is usually cheaper than at the dealership. The price is much less if you only need to replace the clutch plate.

A new clutch for your Hyundai Accent typically costs between $100 and $350, depending on the specific parts and where you purchase them from. For example, OE parts typically cost quite a bit more than aftermarket options. 

You may be able to find a used clutch that’s in good shape from a junkyard or salvage yard, but you’re always taking the risk of these parts not working correctly once they’re installed. In most cases, a new clutch is inexpensive enough to purchase a new one. 

Replacement Clutch Prices

Clutch Labor Prices

Replacing the clutch is a labor-intensive process, so the labor charges alone are usually at least $400. Still, they may be double that amount depending on how long it actually takes to do the work on your vehicle.

Hourly labor charges vary by the garage, but they’re normally between $75 and $125 per hour. Local garages and chain auto shops are usually on the lower end of the scale, while dealerships and specialty automotive shops charge rates on the higher end of the scale. 

Other factors that may impact your price include your vehicle’s specifications, any other problems that need to be repaired simultaneously, and your geographic location. 

Let’s take a look at some sample prices to have the clutch replaced, as reported by other Hyundai Accent owners.

However, since most of these examples are on the west coast, it’s a good idea to get an estimate from a shop in your location to find out what to expect regarding hourly labor rates and any other local fees and taxes that you should plan for. 

Scion tC Clutch Replacement Cost

The average Scion tC clutch replacement cost is $1435, which includes parts and labor. Labor costs on average, come to $835. The clutch parts cost is priced at $600. 

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Fan Clutch?

Based on our research, most car owners can expect to pay around $300 to replace their fan clutch. This cost is split between parts and labor.

Parts are normally the cheaper portion of the equation and will run you around $80 to $100. Labor is usually a bit more expensive and will cost between $150-$250, more if you are also getting other work done on your car. 

Here is a table containing the average costs for replacing the fan clutch in several popular consumer car models.

Keep in mind that these costs depend on a number of factors, such as the scope of the damage, the age of your car, and other problems related to a broken fan clutch. These costs also do not include sales tax and any extra fees that your mechanic may charge. 

Fan Clutch Costs by Vendor

You can often find good deals for car parts depending on the vendor. The following table has information about the average cost of replacement fan clutch parts from some of the more popular auto parts vendors and garages. These prices are just averages and will differ depending on your location. (chilltherapytampa.com)  

As you can see, electric fan clutches usually cost more when you buy from aftermarket dealers. This is because electric fan controllers are more complex and require extra wiring in the engine. For the most part, electric fan controllers tend to cost about twice as much as a mechanical fan clutch.

Lastly, many of the companies will price-match if you can find the same part at a lower price from a competitor. For example, AutoZone will price-match any parts that you find from select competitors. NAPA will also price match if you find cheaper parts or services at a local mechanic. 

DIY Cost vs. Professional Cost of Clutch Replacement

When it comes to a clutch replacement, labor will make up most of your total cost. This is a very labor-intensive job that may take between 2-8 hours to complete, depending on the type of vehicle you own. 

If you know a thing or two about DIY car repairs, you may be able to save a significant amount by doing the job yourself. But what exactly should you expect the cost difference to be?

Average Professional Cost of Clutch Replacement

If you don’t have the time, knowledge, or skills to replace a clutch yourself, opting for professional replacement is your best bet. However, this will be more expensive than doing it on your own. 

Depending on your vehicle, a clutch replacement could take the mechanic anywhere from 2-8 hours to complete. The clutches on the front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles are more complicated to replace than those on rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles. 

The replacement will likely take around 4-5 hours if you have an FWD vehicle. If you have an RWD vehicle, it may take just 2-4 hours. 

This is because, in FWD vehicles, the engine and transmission are usually mated and seated as one unit.

Before you can access the clutch, you’ll have to remove and un-mate both of these parts. In RWD vehicles, however, the parts are not seated as a unit, so the engine can be left in. 

Most mechanics charge between $75-$125 per hour for their labor. In FWD vehicles, labor costs alone could make up $300-$650 on average. For RWD vehicles, this average price decreases to $150-$500. 

The table below will highlight the average cost of the mechanic’s labor for your clutch replacement. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the price may differ depending on where you live. 

In addition to labor costs, you’ll also have to account for parts. The parts could cost as little as $200 or as much as $650.

Ask your mechanic if they have different options available, as remanufactured or aftermarket parts will be less expensive than new or OEM parts. 

Within each part, there are several smaller parts that make it up and they’re all important. If one piece fails, the whole system fails. 

Average DIY Cost of Clutch Replacement

Because labor costs are so high for this job, an experienced DIY-er can save a ton of money replacing a clutch themselves. When you cut out the cost of your mechanic’s labor, the average cost reduces to $200-$650. 

Purchasing a clutch replacement kit is a simple and often less expensive way to handle this job. Below, we’ll discuss more information on these useful kits. 

Clutch Replacement Kits

Clutch replacement kits are available at most auto parts retailers. Usually, they include the following parts:

• Clutch disc
• Pressure plate
• Release bearing
• Clutch alignment tool

While these include most of the vital parts for replacing your clutch, they typically do not include a flywheel. This will have to be purchased separately. Luckily, a flywheel often costs between just $70-$100. 

There are many universal clutch replacement kits available online. But before you purchase one, make sure to check whether or not it’s compatible with your specific make and model.

Before purchasing your kit, ensure it includes everything you’ll need. You may also want to look for a kit that includes at least a one-year warranty to ensure peace of mind. 

What Does a Clutch Do?

If you own a manual transmission vehicle, you likely already know how important the clutch is. A vehicle’s clutch is responsible for transferring power generated in the engine to the transmission. This allows your vehicle to run properly and drive down the road. 

When you’re not pressing down on the clutch pedal, the clutch disc is forced against the flywheel through springs. This friction forms a connection between the engine and the transmission, allowing the power from the engine to transfer to the transmission.

Pressing down on the clutch momentarily disengages the disc. This isolates the engine from the transmission gearbox, allowing you to shift gears. 

What Does a Clutch Replacement Involve?

The Components of a Clutch

Several components to a clutch are engaged when you press the clutch pedal in your vehicle. Pressure on the parts and fluids that flow between them generate the energy needed for the engine to make the wheels turn. These parts consist of:

• Clutch Pedal: When engaged, this pedal disengages the clutch friction disc from the flywheel. 
• Flywheel: The main function is to deliver consistent torque to the engine while maintaining inertia. This is an important part of making the wheels turn. 
• Friction Clutch Disc: This controls pressure between the transmission input shaft and the engine, allowing them to run at identical speeds. It’s an important part of controlling the speed of the car in general.

• Pressure Plate: An important part of transferring energy from the engine to the transmission. It works with the clutch disc and the flywheel to deliver torque. 
• Release Bearing: Works with the pressure plate to disengage the clutch when the clutch pedal is pressed. 

Replacing Clutch Components 

In some situations, you may not need to replace the entire clutch set. There are several components within the clutch system that may wear out unevenly, or you may be able to repair certain parts of the clutch without replacing the entire thing. 

The main parts include the pressure plate, release bearing and slave cylinder assembly, release bearing, clutch friction disk, and flywheel. 

These individual components are typically much less expensive to buy on their own, but if you need more than one component, it’s probably better to purchase the whole clutch replacement set. 

At the bare minimum, a clutch replacement should involve replacing three different parts. These include the clutch disc, the pilot bearing, and the flywheel.

What is a Clutch Disc?

Your clutch disc transmits your engine’s power to the transmission. It’s located between the flywheel and pressure plate, and it’s typically made of metal with a frictional facing. 

This facing is similar to brake shoes or pads. It’s often made from a woven material with either aluminum or brass particles to improve its strength. This enhances the grip between the disc and the flywheel. 

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, a clutch disc alone could cost between $400 – $600. Having it replaced professionally could add another $300 – $900 to the price, bringing your total to $700 – $1,500. 

What is a Clutch Pilot Bearing?

Your clutch pilot bearing connects the manual transmission input shaft to your engine’s crankshaft. Without the clutch engaged, the crankshaft and input shaft can rotate at different speeds. The pilot bearing is what allows this to happen.

This bearing is typically located in the center of either the flywheel or crankshaft flange. Depending on your vehicle type, it might be a ball, roller, or needle bearing. In some cases, it’s a simple bronze brushing instead. 

Since a clutch pilot bearing is a small part of the overall assembly, the part typically costs under $20. However, it’s a very labor-intensive job. Having this part alone replaced professionally could total $350 – $650. 

What is a Flywheel?

Your vehicle’s flywheel is a thick metal disc that connects your engine to your transmission, transferring power to the wheels. It also provides the mass needed to keep your engine running, even while your foot is off the gas pedal. 

The flywheel is typically made from cast iron or steel and is extremely rigid to prevent flexing. It’s bolted to a flange inside a bell housing on the transmission side of the crankshaft. 

On the side of the flywheel facing the engine, there’s a row of gear teeth that engage with the starter motor. On the transmission side, the surface is flat, allowing the clutch disc to hold onto it. 

When you have your foot on the clutch pedal, the clutch disc disengages from the flywheel. As you release the pedal, it presses firmly against the disc, allowing the input shaft to rotate at the same speed as the crankshaft. 

The cost of a new flywheel varies significantly. Some cost as little as $50, while others cost up to $400. In total, the price of a flywheel replacement is typically between $600-$1,000.

What Else Should be Replaced During a Clutch Replacement?

The clutch disc, pilot bearing, and flywheel should always be replaced at this time. However, you may want to consider replacing a couple of other parts while your vehicle is at the shop. These include the clutch pressure plate and the release bearing.

The Pressure Plate

Your vehicle’s pressure plate is a critical part of the clutch assembly. As the name suggests, it uses springs to apply the pressure that holds the disc and flywheel together.

It’s fixed to the flywheel with several bolts, and the two pieces rotate together. A new pressure plate costs between $275-400 on average, and if you need to have it replaced professionally, labor costs around $300. 

The Release Bearing

The release bearing, sometimes called the throw-out bearing, is the heart of your clutch’s operation. When the clutch is depressed, the release bearing spins in tandem with the pressure plate. This allows for the smooth operation of the entire clutch assembly. 

Pressing down on the clutch pedal allows this bearing to move towards the flywheel, pushing in the pressure plate’s release fingers. This moves pressure away from the clutch disc, temporarily disabling power flow to allow you to switch gears.

The release bearing slides onto a hollow shaft in the transmission housing. Parts cost under $100; if you need to have it replaced professionally, labor is typically under $300. 

Perform Transmission Service

When you have your clutch replaced, the mechanic will remove the transmission to access the parts. During this time, it’s often recommended that you perform transmission service. 

A full transmission service includes several tasks. These include:

• Installing a new pan gasket
• Cleaning the transmission pan
• Inspecting the engine freeze plugs
• Inspecting the crankshaft rear main seal
• Flushing out and replacing the transmission fluid

The total cost of this service will depend on what you need replaced and whether you do it yourself or have a mechanic handle it. Depending on where you go, a shop may charge between $80-$250 for a transmission service.

If you have the skills and know-how, you may be able to perform this service yourself. The table below will highlight the average cost of each component. 

Symptoms of a Failed Clutch

You’ll probably notice if your clutch is starting to fail or has already failed immediately. Your engine will likely rev, but the speed won’t increase when you shift to a higher gear. Once it has failed completely, you may not even be able to move your vehicle. 

A bad clutch could slip or shudder as you switch gears, leading to a momentary loss of acceleration or unexpected rev increases.

It may be difficult to press the pedal down or feel spongy, sticky, or loose. You may also hear squeaking or vibrating sounds when you press the pedal. 

Changing gears may be difficult due to “clutch drag.” This happens when the transmission input shaft doesn’t stop spinning completely, even when you press the pedal down. 

If your flywheel wears out, your vehicle may vibrate while in either first gear or reverse. This typically happens when you let go of the clutch pedal. Although this isn’t a severe problem at first, a bad flywheel can wear the rest of your clutch assembly out prematurely. 

Is It Necessary to Replace a Clutch?

A properly-working clutch is vital to any manual transmission vehicle’s operation. In most cases, you will not even be able to drive if your clutch has begun to fail! 

Getting your car into gear in the first place will probably be a challenge. Even if you can get it into gear, a worn-out clutch disc will not be able to transmit enough power to move your vehicle at the right speed. 

For these reasons and more, replacing your clutch at the first sign of trouble is essential. If you fail to do so, you’ll more than likely end up stranded on the side of the road. 

Can You Replace a Clutch Yourself?

If you’re looking to reduce the overall cost of your clutch replacement, you may be able to do so by performing the job yourself. However, remember that this is one of the most complex repair jobs there are. 

In order to access the clutch assembly, you’ll need to remove your vehicle’s drive shaft and disassemble the transmission. In some cases, you’ll need a hoist to raise your vehicle up in order to access these parts. 

In addition to all the new parts you have to install, you’ll also need a clutch alignment tool. These are relatively inexpensive, around $5-$15. Once you install all the new clutch parts, you’ll have to use this tool to prevent damage to the pilot bearing when you put the transmission back in. 

How Long Should a Clutch Last?

Unlike most other components, a clutch usually has no recommended replacement mileage. How long the clutch in your vehicle will last depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle you own and the conditions you drive in. 

However, like most parts of your vehicle, a clutch assembly is designed for maximum durability. Most have a lifespan of at least 50,000 miles, but some can last 100,000 miles or more. 

Over time, the friction between your clutch disc and flywheel will wear down. This may happen quicker if you subject your vehicle to heavy loads on a regular basis. In some cases, a clutch could last as little as 35,000 miles. 

Why Are Clutches So Expensive to Replace?

While the replacement of a clutch is easy and not very time-consuming, getting to the clutch is tedious. It requires time to get to by moving other components around and disconnecting wires and such to remove it. 

This is a big job that sometimes requires lifting out or dropping the engine to get to it. The process takes a lot of time. Regardless of your level of skill, it takes between 2 and 6 hours. When installing the new clutch part, everything has to be reconnected and in working order before the replacement is complete.

Can You Drive a Car Without a Clutch?

No, it’s almost impossible to drive a car without its clutch. There are people who might debate that, but once the clutch is worn down, it cannot provide the torque required to move a car forward or backward.

Clutch Replacement Cost: The Bottom Line

The clutch is one of the most important parts of a manual transmission vehicle. For this reason, it’s essential to ensure it’s working properly at all times. 

If you need to replace your clutch, it could cost anywhere from $200 – $2,500. The exact price will depend on several factors. Some of these include your vehicle’s make and model, the parts you use, and whether you opt for DIY or professional replacement. 

A DIY replacement will almost always cost less than a professional replacement. However, this is a very complicated, labor-intensive job. Only replace your clutch yourself if you have the knowledge to do so. 

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