How much does it cost to replace a Clutch?

While Australian automatic drivers don’t have to worry about a clutch, manual drivers need to be on guard for clutch problems. You can expect to spend between $50 for a cable adjustment and $800 for the average clutch repair cost. A full clutch replacement cost may run $1,100 to $2,000. Be sure to get mechanic quotes before starting repairs.

By design, the clutch disc can last up to 200,000 kilometres, but when it goes, the car won’t shift. The clutch change cost can be affected by the size of the car as well as by the make and model. Here are the major factors affecting how much a repair will be:

• Age of vehicle
• Size of vehicle
• Length of time your style of clutch was in use (One year? Seven years?)
• Clutch accessibility
• Type of clutch
• Labour costs for your area
• Availability of parts
• New parts (Whether original manufacturer required or generic brand allowed)
• Non-premium or luxury brand vehicle
• The option of used parts

Age of the Vehicle

On the one hand, this matters because there is a point where a vehicle’s parts become hard to find. It will help if it is a common model and if the exact clutch was used for multiple years or even an entire generation of that vehicle’s production. With an older car, you may be able to use generic brand parts or a rebuilt clutch.

On the other hand, if you have a newer car you may feel obliged to get parts from the automaker. Furthermore, if you have a dual-mass flywheel clutch, these are more expensive to replace.

Size and Style of the Vehicle

Even if it hits the sweet spot in terms of manufacturing age, a luxury vehicle is likely to cost much more than a non-premium vehicle of the same size. Speaking of size, a truck clutch is sure to cost more than a small hatchback.

Accessibility

To replace the clutch, the mechanic may need to remove the transmission. This can be complicated in SUVs, trucks and other 4WD vehicles. These time-consuming tasks push labour costs higher, making the procedure much more costly.

Clutch fluid change

Although some workshops may do a standalone clutch fluid change, it is more likely to be included with a maintenance service costing $120. Still, it is critical to have this done according to manufacturer specifications. Old fluids are gritty and have absorbed moisture. This can cause problems for the clutch cylinder and lead to expensive repairs. Your technician should drain the old fluid before adding the new.

Clutch cable replacement or adjustment

An adjustment costs between $50 and $125. A replacement costs between $125 and $700. For most cars, this is a quick fix and very affordable. Technician costs are low because it only requires that the cable be disconnected, removed and replaced. There are no large parts in the way. Sometimes you can see the cable has a problem. Other times it’s the lack of resistance or inability to engage a gear that is a tell-tale sign. The gears may slip because the cable can’t secure the proper gear and hold it. This leads to the grinding of the gears and can lead to greater damage if the car is driven too often with this problem.

Clutch master and slave cylinder

Replacement can run from $350 to $500. With a damaged cylinder, shifting doesn’t feel right and response is slow. Be sure to ask if slave cylinder repair is a separate cost.

Whole clutch kit

The clutch installation cost ranges from $500 to $1200 for a smaller vehicle. It is $800 to $2000 for a larger one. Usually, the whole clutch needs to be replaced if the clutch pedal won’t press down or is not returning. Another clear signal is a lack of vehicle speed in proportion to the increase of engine RPM. Other signs include a burning smell or a shudder when changing gears. The likelihood of a full repair increases as your vehicle gets closer to the 200,000-kilometre mark. Regular commuters who face stop-and-go traffic may have clutch trouble sooner than those who can stick to highway cruising.

The price of new parts will be roughly the same, but labour costs can vary widely. Furthermore, the ability to access rebuilt or salvaged parts may be greater in some locations than in others. Businesses have quoted Oneflare customers to service and replace an entire clutch: 

Multiple mechanic quotes are a good idea if you want to understand how much a clutch repair should cost. Personalised quotes should be specific for your region.

Before hiring a mechanic, check the individual’s credentials and the workshop’s certification. Find out how often clutch repair is performed. Get information about the types of vehicles the mechanics usually work on. You may need a specialist who has experience in handling American, European or Asian car brands, for instance. A premium car may need someone with luxury car repair expertise. A sports car may get better service from someone familiar with high-speed engineering.

Tip #1: Clutch service cost is likely to cost far less than a clutch replacement cost. Your technician may catch a problem early and head off a bigger problem. A quicker fix means shorter labour hours which lowers your costs.

Tip #2: If the entire clutch must be replaced and the car is old, you can ask if the technician will shop around for the best prices on replacement parts. Salvage parts may be in good shape, although the original vehicle may have gone to the scrap heap. 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources