| $ Clutch (just parts): $15-$500+ | $ $ Clutch Kit: $100-$800 | $ $ $ Professional Replacement: $400-$3,000+ |
Interestingly, just one part of a car could make it impossible to drive if it’s bad, and the clutch it’s exactly that part.
Many automatic car owners are unaware of it, but this third pedal does much more than help change gears.
The clutch is an essential part of any vehicle, and if it has any problem or is failing, driving would be impossible.
Table of Contents
How Does A Clutch Work?
Basically, the clutch’s job is to transfer the power that comes from the engine to the transmission.
The engine is always running, and if it were always linked to the transmission and the wheels, the car wouldn’t be able to stop ever.
That’s why the clutch is so important because with just pressing the pedal, you can interrupt or resume this link, letting you stop or drive.
Here’s a video made by Lesics that explains how clutches work.
What’s The Clutch Assembly?
When we talk about the clutch, we are referring to the clutch assembly, which consists of some parts that work together to perform one job.
The parts included in the clutch assembly are the flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate, and the throw-out or release bearing.
And although automatic transmissions have more clutches, they have the same parts and the same job.
How Long Does A Clutch Last?
Clutches are very robust, and they are made to resist rough handling.
A clutch can typically last 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
And improving driving habits and gentler driving can extend the lifespan of a clutch.
In all cases, clutch problems can occur; according to Car and Driver, the most common ones are:
- Wear due to friction.
- Broken cables.
- Leaks.
- Misalignment.
- Air in the line.
- Hard clutch.
What Are The Signs Of A Failing Clutch?
If you have a failing clutch, you will be able to identify some of these signs of a bad clutch:
- Weak Acceleration.
- Grinding Gears.
- Loose Clutch Pedal.
- Sticky Clutch Pedal.
- Other Noises.
- Won’t Shift into Gear.
- Won’t Stay in Gear.
- Burning Smell.
Ralphstransmission.com has an article that explains these signs in more detail.
What Affects Replacement Costs Of Clutch?
Many factors can affect the final costs for replacing a clutch like the make and model of your vehicle, the type of transmission it uses, what parts are damaged, if the replacement parts are from an OEM or an aftermarket shop, the location, warranty, and labor costs.
Having a clutch professionally replaced can cost $400 to $3,000 or more.
Jut buying the clutch replacement parts can cost from $15 to $500 or more; clutch repair kits cost $100 to $800.
And, labor costs for just replacing the clutch go from $500 to $650.
Top Companies
You can get your clutch inspected and replaced at dealerships and auto repair shops like Midas and Pep Boys.
And you can buy the individual parts of a clutch assembly from online retailers like Amazon, Auto Parts Warehouse, and AutoZone.
The following table shows a comparison between clutch replacing prices and vehicle models:
| Vehicle Model | Average Price |
| BMW | $2,000+ |
| Ford Ranger | $600 – $900 |
| 2014 Ford Focus | $800 – $950 |
| Honda Civic | $499 – $800 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $1,300 – $1,400 |
| Toyota pickup | $600 – $900 |
| Toyota Camry | $600 – $900 |
| Mazda | $550 – $800 |
Things To Consider
Before Buying
- First, if you passed the recommended replacement interval, it’s necessary to check if you have a bad clutch. This video made by Eric The Car Guy will show you how to check your clutch.
- If you have already experienced signs of a bad clutch, then it’s time to take it to a mechanic that can diagnose where the problem comes from.
When Buying
- Depending on the type of vehicle you have, the process of removing the clutch to replace it will vary.
- An option to save money is to buy the parts only and hire a professional mechanic to replace them. Replacing a clutch is considered a difficult project for DIY.
After Buying
- Improving driving habits is an easy way to extend the lifespan of a clutch. Fix Auto Usa wrote an article about some habits that drivers can adopt to improve their driving.
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