The clutch transfers power from the engine to the transmission; pressing the clutch pedal allows the driver to temporarily interrupt this process to stop the vehicle or change gears. The clutch mechanism has four basic components: the flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate, and the throw-out or release bearing. Vehicles with a hydraulic clutch system also have slave and master cylinders. HowStuffWorks.com has an overview of clutches[1] .
Typical costs:
Having a clutch replaced can cost $400-$3,000 or more, depending on the make, model and type of vehicle; whether just the clutch disc needs replacing and the flywheel resurfacing, or if all new parts are needed; whether a hydraulic clutch needs new cylinders; and how difficult it is to access the clutch. CostHelper readers report paying $430-$2,505 to have a clutch replaced, at an average cost of $1,085; the lowest costs reported were for compact cars with work done by local repair shops, and the highest price reported by a reader was for a BMW, with the work done by a dealership.
For do-it-yourselfers (the project is considered difficult), individual clutch parts can cost $15-$500 or more and complete clutch repair kits can cost $100-$800 or more, depending on the make and model of vehicle. CostHelper readers reporting paying $45-$250 for DIY clutch replacement, with an average cost of $147.
The process for removing an old clutch and installing a new one varies depending on the make, model and type of vehicle. According to Autos.Yahoo.com[2] , on a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the driveshaft, transmission and bell housing have to be removed from underneath the vehicle to reach the clutch; the process is even more difficult on a front-wheel drive vehicle, because either the engine has to be pulled out or the transaxle dropped, both of which require major disassembly work. To reinstall the transmission, the clutch must be perfectly aligned so the transmission input shaft slips into place after everything has been bolted together.
It is important that none of the parts are dropped or damaged during the replacement process, and that the mechanic checks carefully for any leaks or other problems when the work is completed.
AutoMD.com describes the general steps for replacing a clutch[3] , rating the project as hard and estimating a do-it-yourself effort takes 11.6 hours. A Miata owner[4] shares his experience replacing the clutch.
Discounts:
Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members[5] .
CostHelper readers report paying a total of $321-$785 to buy a clutch kit themselves and then hire a local shop or mechanic to do the work, with an average cost of $534.
Shopping for replacing a clutch:
Search for local repair shops through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[6] or the International Automotive Technicians Network[7] .
Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[8] .
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
I am looking for a clutch kit for a 2004 saab 9-3 You need the clutch plate need the pressure plate you need the throw out bearing and you need to pilot bushing. Everything together is called a clutch kit
Did the work myself with my fathers instructions. $75 LUK clutch kit from rockauto.com !!!! Took probably about 4 or 5 hrs total. The original Nissan clutch was what I took out @ 250k !!!! Touche´ nissan
150,000 miles on original, it was time. Replaced with heavy duty clutch, re-surfaced flywheel ,new rear main seal, and slave cylinder, which was leaking. Shifts like butter!
Friendly mechanics were knowledgable and diagnosed the problem within 5 minutes. They ordered the parts late Friday afternoon and car was ready by 10am on Monday. Highly recommend. Be sure to see their website for coupons. http://www.candsauto.biz/
The 450 included some extra tools that will be used for future DIY stuff. The part was 380 which included the clutch, pressure plate, slave cylinder and a tiny packet of spline grease. A craigslist mechanic was gonna charge me 400 for labor and a shop over 800 for labor. This job is difficult but I did it with no experience and the internet. Took me 2 days.
ford wanted 1200 dollars to replace the clutch my brother found the complete clutch kit on line and also found instructions for replacing clutch it took 5 hours of hard work but i saved over 1000 dollars
Clutch release bearing needed to be replaced. Mechanic suggested replacing the clutch since it is as intensive labor wise and clutch was almost due to be changed as per prior inspection a year ago was showing. Thank goodness for his suggestion as when they took out the clutch it was nearly blown and could have cost a new transmission had the car not been brought in when it was. Cose call
428 for Parts (Hydraulic clytch system) this kind of clutch contains a slave and a master cylinder. 496 for 5 hours of labor + 46 of tax Total 970 $ CAD.
replaced entire clutch assembly, resurface flywheel. I guess i'm in the mid range of price but I only paid $2500 for the whole car!!!Also had to change cv shaft tranny side and cooling tube(additional $380 including all ny taxes)
I feel that some folks have gotten ripped off in a big way! I replaced my clutch master cylinder myself with the help of a mechanic friend who only looked over my shoulder. It was a tight place to work, but it wasn't that big of a deal. I had to bleed the lines, which is about the same as brake line bleeding. Shop around and make sure your not dealing with a thief or parts changer.
I called auto zone and purchased a clutch for $134.99 and then called several auto repair shops to see which place charged the least per hour for labor. No more then 3 hours labor ranging anywhere from $50-$150 per hour/+part is so much better then paying $1500 ( what I was getting quoted) to do it all at the shop!!! I suggest to anyone that is in this situation, to do the same.. Dont spend if you don't have to. Most places will even tow it to the shop for free.
Throw out bearing went out in my car and i took it to my local auto mechanic. He said to just spend the money on a clutch kit since its hecticto replace a throw out bearing without doing a clutch with it
Posted by: Satisfied, not thrilled in Dundalk, MD.
Posted: December 2nd, 2010 06:12AM
Car Make: Hyundai
Car Model: Elantra
Auto Shop: Cockeysville, MD
Leaking clutch fluid, '03 standard Hyundai Elantra. Reputable mechanic recommended replacement of master and slave clutch at same time. $430 for both master and slave with parts, labor, taxes. Also had them replace 3 belts for an additional $130. (Total $560)
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]