How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (2024)

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (1)

Clutch replacement is a long and time-consuming task that can take hours but it is still not impossible. The major part of the task is mechanic work well than replacing the major component. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours in the entire process. Before knowing about how to replace car clutch, you should know that clutch replacement is an important task to run the car smoothly for a longer time. Sometimes, there is no time to run to a mechanic when the clutch gets out, then you can easily replace the car clutch yourself.

A clutch is a mechanical device that is used to engage and disengage the engine to help in changing the gears by applying pressure to the flywheel. The released pressure from the pressure plate to the flywheel allows free spinning.

Clutch replacement comes withcar maintenance tipsand tools that support the driver.Car clutch kits are available which come with the instruction manuals and otherimportant tools to maintain your carand those tools can also be used in performing other tasks like changing a car tire.

CAN I REPLACE MY OWN CLUTCH?

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (2)

Yes! There is no need to go to a mechanic school to learn about changing a car clutch. This article will guide you on how to replace the clutch at home in a few easy steps.

HOW TO REPLACE A CLUTCH IN YOUR CAR?

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (3)

Clutch replacement requires some tools and the right position of the car. Clutch replacement kits are available that contain all the major components of a car clutch. Beyond all, there are a few things that are required while replacing a car clutch such as:

  1. A jack
  2. A screwdriver
  3. Lubricant
  4. New flywheel
  5. New clutch

These all are essential tools for the maintenance of your car. Once you get hands-on with all these things, it is easy to start the process. Here is the step-wise guide of clutch replacement.

STEP 1: PARK CAR IN A SECURE POSITION

The first step involves hi-jacking the car to raise the front part of the car. Park the car in the right position to make the process easy. Use hi-jack of excellent quality to uplift the car above the ground level. The transmission and engine of the car must be carried out by the hi-jack with stability.

STEP 2: GET THE TRANSAXLE READY TO REMOVE

The next step incorporates the removal of the transaxle to get to the car clutch. For this purpose, unhook the clutch cable and positive battery cables. Disconnect all the electrical connections and speedometer cable. Disconnect and remove the starter motor.

STEP 3: UNBOLT THE ENGINE MOUNT

Locate the bolts that connect the bell housing to the rear engine and remove all of them. Then remove the transaxle away from the engine. Lower the floor jack carefully and remove the car transmission by slightly raising the jack to support the car as well as to remove the transmission from the engine.

Remove the drive axle and prop shaft. To get to the car clutch, you need to remove the pressure plate and slide the clutch disc out. At this step, you can repair or replace the flywheel and remove the dirt and debris from the crankshaft.

STEP 4: REPLACE THE CLUTCH

Before replacing the car clutch, clean all the components to be free of oil, grease, and dirt. After replacing the flywheel, replace the car clutch with a newer one. Slide a new clutch disc and position it using the clutch alignment tool. After sliding the newer clutch disc, bolt on the pressure plate with bolts and replace the transaxle.

STEP 5: REATTACH THE TRANSAXLE

Now you are ready to refit the transmission but before fitting the transmission, assemble the new release bearing with a release lever and fitted with pre-greased pivot points. The tip is to align the transaxle in the spline hole and nuzzle the transaxle forward to reattach it until it glides completely. Don’t rush. Just take your time at this step and practice it a few times until or unless you succeed.Once the transaxle is aligned, now place back the bolts and tighten them properly.

At this step, take support of an additional transmission jack to secure all the pipes, wires, and gear selector linkage to the transmission.

STEP 6: RELEASE THE CAR JACK

After placing the transaxle back at its position and tightening the bolts, release the jack slowly. Hold the transmission and allow the car to lower down back to its original position. Connect the battery and top up the clutch fluid with fresh fluid. Reconnect the electrical plugs, vacuum lines, and speedometer.

Now is the time to hit the road again and test the replaced car clutch. Take a short drive to check that replaced clutch works completely fine.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A CLUTCH IN A CAR?

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (4)

Car clutch replacement is not an expensive deal. You can even save an enormous amount of charges that a mechanic charges for clutch replacement by replacing the clutch yourself. Replacement of a car clutch is an awesome opportunity to learn something technical andcar battery guidance. It is a big confidence booster and represents personal affiliation with your car knowing that you can focus on its damages and repair them at a time.

Most cars use a manual transmission and have a clutch replacement kit available that includes replacement parts and alignment tools. A car clutch kit costs between $150 and $500.Custom clutch replacement kits are also available that are expensive and range in thousands of dollars. You can have a rough idea from a professional car mechanic whenever you go for aused car repair in Baltimore MD.

NOTE:

It is suggested to follow the guide provided by the car to get an idea about car clutch replacement components before starting such a project.

How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide | Bumble Auto (2024)

FAQs

What all should be replaced when replacing a clutch? ›

Five parts that should be changed during a clutch replacement
  1. Thrust bearing. When you depress the clutch pedal, the clutch fork engages the pressure plate with a thrust bearing, also known as a release bearing or throw-out bearing. ...
  2. Pressure plate. ...
  3. Slave cylinder. ...
  4. Clutch fluid. ...
  5. Transmission fluid.
Mar 24, 2021

Do you have to drop the transmission to change a clutch? ›

Yes generally the engine and transmission must be separated to access the clutch assembly in order to replace it. There's several ways to do that, but most of the time the gearbox is unbolted and removed from the engine.

How to change automatic clutch? ›

Replacing the clutch involves separating the gearbox from the engine, disassembling the clutch assembly, replacing any and all defective components with new or repurposed parts (the latter can save on costs, but not everyone offers it), and then reassembling the clutch components to get it all working again.

Can I change my clutch myself? ›

Some think of clutch replacement as an in-depth procedure that's best left to a mechanic, but doing it yourself can save you a good deal of money — and isn't as difficult as it seems. With the right tools for the job and some time over a weekend, replacing your clutch can bring an old car back to life.

How much to replace the clutch in an automatic transmission? ›

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.

Do you need to replace the flywheel when replacing a clutch? ›

If your clutch disc became extremely worn and failed, odds are very high your flywheel is scored enough to require replacement. Unless you enjoy dropping the transmission out of your car on a regular basis, we recommend replacing a flywheel that shows any signs of wear or damage when performing a clutch replacement.

What to do after installing a new clutch? ›

You can complete a cycle by taking your car for a drive and using the clutch plenty of times to heat it up. Then, park your car and let it cool down completely. If you notice a strong burning smell from you clutch, get in touch with the garage who replaced it for a check.

How many hours does it take to replace a 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.

What happens if you change gear without putting clutch down? ›

Damage can only happen in synchronizer which is present between gears for smooth engagement. When you don't apply clutch engine power is going through transmission in that case high wear and tear can occur in synchronizer hub because synchronizer matches the speed of both gears which are running at different speeds.

How to fix a slipping clutch without replacing it? ›

Unfortunately, it isn't usually possible to fix a slipping clutch. The exception is when the slipping is caused by misalignment, in which case the clutch needs adjusting to line it up correctly and reduce friction. Most of the time, when your clutch is slipping, you'll have to replace it.

Can a clutch go out on an automatic transmission? ›

Spinning Without Engagement. If you step on the gas and your transmission spins without forward movement, you have a problem that needs attention right away. Your automatic transmission has a clutch, too, and spinning is a sign that the clutch is going bad.

What else to replace when replacing a clutch? ›

At least:
  1. The pilot bearing or bushing.
  2. The input shaft spline and pilot bearing area for wear.
  3. The surface of the flywheel.
  4. The release (or throw-out) bearing.
  5. The pressure plate should be replaced regardless how it “looks”.
  6. Check the rear-main engine seal for leaks.
Apr 10, 2019

Does a new clutch need to be adjusted? ›

After installing a new clutch, if it's an OEM clutch, sometimes it's not necessary to adjust the pedal, especially if the free play is fine. But in the case of an aftermarket clutch, you certainly need a pedal adjustment.

How to tell if an automatic transmission clutch is bad? ›

The most obvious sign is a transmission that slips. If this is the case, you may notice that as you are driving, the engine races suddenly, as if it isn't in gear anymore, then suddenly go back into gear, causing a clunking noise and sudden vibration.

Should the throwout bearing touch the pressure plate? ›

Its outer surface is always spinning, whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged. It is self-adjusting, meaning that the spring between the bearing and base puts tension on the bearing, keeping it in contact with the pressure plate.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 5779

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.