Is replacing a clutch a big job? (2024)

FAQs

Is replacing a clutch a big job? ›

Clutches experience a lot of strain, typically wearing out at some point after 60,000 miles. As you might already know, replacing a clutch can be expensive because it's a very labour-intensive job.

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.

Clutches can be expensive to fix, so knowing when it might be having issues is important – as sorting it before it damages other parts of the vehicle can save a large bill. Signs your clutch is slipping could help you avoid paying to fix other issues with the vehicle.

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.

Replacing the car's clutch cable is not a difficult task, but of course you need to know exactly how to do it in order for the new cable to be fitted correctly. Start by dismantling the cable from the gearbox. There is typically a type of adjusting device that can be slacked.

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.

The average cost for a Clutch Replacement is between $1,263 and $1,440. Labor costs are estimated between $586 and $739 while parts are priced between $678 and $701.

Driving On A Damaged Clutch

So what happens if you keep on driving with a bad clutch? Not only is it very dangerous, but it can also cause further, more serious damage to your clutch and gearbox which will be expensive to repair.

Generally speaking, most clutches will last for around 60,000 miles – but this can vary from as little as 30,000 miles to as much as 100,000 miles. This can depend on many factors, and not all of them are possible to control.

When replacing a clutch, what else should be replaced? ›

When performing a clutch replacement, it is best practice to replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing and throw out bearing. The flywheel is also resurfaced or replaced if it is beyond the service limit or if it is a dual mass flywheel (this type of flywheel is not machinable).

The average lifespan of a clutch is anywhere between 20,000 to 150,000 miles. Luckily, your clutch will likely give you ample notice that something is going wrong. Don't get left at the side of the road with a vehicle that won't shift into gear. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of a failing clutch.

Most often, a clutch burns out due to the excessive heat generated from a clutch slipping or clutch misuse which creates excessive heat and an acidic smell. Similarly, to a car's brake pads, a clutch's friction materials are designed to wear down slowly through normal use.

Replacing a worn clutch can be a significant job as it requires removing the gearbox to access the clutch assembly.

The clutch is a complex component which is hard to access. As a result, labour costs make up a significant portion of the overall price of a clutch replacement, due to the time it takes to get to the clutch.

Prices for a clutch repair usually start from about $800, while the cost of a complete clutch replacement can range from $1,100 to $2,500. Here is a price list estimate for a few common clutch repairs: Clutch cable adjustment: $50 to $125. Clutch cable replacement: $125 to $700.

Misadjusted Clutch Linkage: Incorrectly adjusted clutch linkage can cause the clutch to engage improperly, making the pedal feel stiff. Broken Linkage Components: Broken or damaged linkage components can also result in a hard clutch.

Every clutch feels a little different. You were used to your old worn out clutch. The pedal will be stiffer, and it will engage at a different level. There should be some play at the top before it begins to feel like there is any resistance.

Budget: Clutch plate price range from around ₹1,800 on the low end to ₹14,000+ for premium brands and vehicles. Set a comfortable spending limit before shopping. Performance upgrades: Beefed up engines and transmissions require upgraded clutch plates that can handle the extra force and torque.