Many cars today have an automatic transmission, though several people still prefer manual transmissions. With a manual transmission, you can engage the clutch whenever you want by pressing the clutch pedal near the gas and brakes. (naijanews.com)
Like any car part, your manual transmission clutch will wear down over time and will need replacing. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,300 to replace a manual transmission clutch.
The typical price range is between $900 to $1,800. Clutch parts are relatively cheap, but installation costs tend to be high because removing and replacing clutch parts is very labor-intensive.
If you have a broken clutch, you should get it fixed as quickly as possible. To help you out, we put together this comprehensive article on the costs to replace a manual transmission clutch.
What is a Manual Transmission Clutch?
The clutch is an integral part of your car’s drivetrain. In simple terms, the clutch allows you to disengage the engine from the wheels, so you can change gears as you change speeds.
Manual clutches have two main parts
- Flywheel
- Clutch plate
When the clutch pedal is not engaged, a series of springs and pressure plates pushes the clutch plate against the flywheel. Contact between these pieces spins the wheels as you accelerate the engine.
When you press down on the clutch, a series of levers, arms, and springs release the clutch plate from the flywheel, disconnecting the spinning engine from the car’s drivetrain. This allows the engine to keep running without producing a torque on the wheels.
The clutch is important because it lets you disengage the flywheel from the drivetrain to change gears as you go faster and slower. Without a working clutch, your car would not have the “smooth” acceleration from lower speeds to higher speeds.
So, a broken clutch greatly affects your ability to control your car’s speed and acceleration.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Manual Transmission Clutch?
You can expect to pay approximately $1,300 on average to replace a manual clutch transmission. The typical range is between $900 to $1,700.
The most expensive part of replacement is labor costs. The mechanic will have to disassemble your entire drivetrain to access the clutch and replace the parts, so the procedure is very labor-intensive.
| Make/Model | Price |
| Honda Civic | $1,200 |
| Ford Mustang | $1,100 |
| Subaru WRX | $1,200 |
| Ford Focus | $990 |
| Chevy Camaro | $1,500 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $1,600 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | $1,700 |
| Fiat 500 | $1,300 |
| Nissan Versa | $1,300 |
| Ford Fiesta | $1,100 |
Most of these cars have versions with automatic transmissions. Typically, an automatic transmission can add up to 40% more on repair or replacement costs, depending on which part is broken.
Clutch Plate/Pressure Disc Cost
Sometimes the problem is just a specific part. One of the most common parts to break is the clutch plate and pressure discs. You can expect to pay around $250 on average for a replacement clutch plate and pressure disc set.
Below is a table showing average costs for various clutch plate replacement parts.
| Product | Price |
| Centerforce DF193890 | $290 |
| Barnett Performance Products Extra Plate Clutch Kit | $170 |
| Hinson Racing FSC Clutch Plate & Spring | $200 |
| Belt Drives High-Performance Clutch Plate Kit | $160 |
| ClutchMaxPRO Heavy Duty OEM Clutch Kit | $240 |
| Centerforce DF098391 Dual Friction Clutch Pressure Plate and Disc | $370 |
| Schaeffler LuK RepSet 04-246 Clutch Kit | $200 |
| EFT Stage 1 Clutch Kit | $275 |
A decent set of clutch plates will cost you between $150 on the low end to $300+ on the high end. If you plan to buy parts separately and install the clutch yourself, make sure that the parts you get are compatible with the make/model of your car.
Using incompatible clutch parts can put more stress on your system and cause further problems down the road.
Factors that Affect Clutch Replacement Costs
- Car make/model. Most individual clutch parts for economy-class cars are cheap and relatively easy to replace. Luxury and high-performance brands may use expensive materials or have special configurations that require more labor.
- Type of clutch system. There are two major types of clutches: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical clutches use contact friction or a cable to engage the drivetrain, while a hydraulic system uses cylinders with brake fluid to generate pressure to move the clutch plate. Hydraulic systems are more expensive to repair as cylinders can be expensive.
- Manual vs auto. All other things being equal, it is much less expensive to replace a manual clutch transmission system. However, manual clutch systems are more prone to breaking and so may need more repairs over their lifetime.
- Material. The type of clutch material also matters. High-quality clutches are made from cast iron and steel. Some high-performance vehicles use clutch parts made from special ceramics, which can be fairly expensive to replace.
Signs of a Bad Manual Transmission Clutch
Here are some common signs of a broken manual clutch.
Grinding and Clicking
Typically, when you release the clutch, it’s supposed to detach from the gearbox and flywheel. If you hear a loud grinding sound when you depress the clutch, it could mean that the wheel is not fully released from the gears.
The problem could also be that your clutch pedal is too loose to fully disengage the flywheel.
Rev Engine, Slow Movement
If your engine sounds like it is working much harder than the speed you are moving, then the clutch might be stripped and is not producing enough friction. This kind of “clutch slippage” can be caused by alignment issues in the clutch linkage or wear-and-tear on gear teeth.
Can’t Engage Clutch
If you can’t depress the pedal, or can depress the pedal but can’t switch gears, then you probably have some parts out of alignment. The most common culprits for this issue are pressure plates or clutch discs. If these two pieces are broken or out of alignment, then pressing the pedal won’t move the plates and disconnect the drivetrain.
Car is Noisy in Neutral
Neutral gear is supposed to detach the engine from the drive train so the car won’t move. If your car makes a lot of noise when you shift into neutral, then the problem is probably a shaft bearing in the clutch assembly.
Squeaky Pedal
If the pedal squeals and squeaks when you press it down, then it may be a problem with the clutch fork. The clutch fork can lose lubrication over time, producing a loud squealing noise when it is engaging and tries to move the pressure plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a manual transmission clutch do?
In a manual transmission car, the clutch allows you to decouple the engine from the gearbox, so you can change gears on your car. Automatic cars also have clutches, they just do not have a pedal for manually engaging it. Instead, automatic cars use fluid pumps to change gears when necessary.
How much does it cost to replace a manual transmission clutch?
It costs, on average, about $1,300 to fully replace a manual transmission clutch. This includes the cost of replacing the entire clutch assembly, which includes the pressure plates and clutch plates, and flywheel.
Can I drive on a broken clutch?
You can, but it is not recommended. Your car will still run on a broken clutch, though you won’t be able to change gears effectively. Driving on a bad clutch can also cause issues with your gearbox, motor, or shifter.
So we recommend getting a broken clutch fixed as quickly as possible.
How long does a manual transmission clutch last?
A typical manual transmission clutch should last for about 60,000 miles, give or take 10,000 miles. The lifespan of your clutch depends on how well you treat it. If you are rough when shifting gears, your clutch may only last around $30,000 miles
Do I have to replace the entire clutch system?
You do not have to, but generally, it is recommended to replace all components of your clutch at the same time. The reason why is so the new parts are all brand new and have the same amount of wear.
So when getting clutch repairs, you should replace the pressure plates, friction plates, and throwout bearing at the same time.
Can I replace a clutch on my own?
You can, but it is not recommended. The clutch/gear system of your car is complex and has lots of moving pieces. If you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, it’s pretty easy to put something out of place, which can cause damage.
It’s in your best interest to hire a professional for the job.
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Conclusions
The clutch is a very important part of your car’s drivetrain and is necessary for it to accelerate smoothly. A broken clutch can significantly affect vehicle handling, so we recommend getting any clutch problems fixed as quickly as possible.
Make sure to get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best price for repairs.