Transmission
Clutch replacement (manual transmission): what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $350 | $800 |
| Labor: 6 to 8 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $750 | $1,400 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $40 |
| Total, rounded | $1,100 | $2,250 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
A worn clutch is replaced in a manual-transmission car. Signs include slipping, a high engagement point, or trouble shifting.
What is usually included
- Clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing
- Resurface or replace the flywheel
- Rear main seal if leaking
- Fluid top-off
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Flywheel resurfacing versus replacement
- Dual-mass flywheel cost
- Slave cylinder or hydraulic parts
- Front-wheel versus rear-wheel drive
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the flywheel resurfaced or replaced?
- Is the slave cylinder included?
- Does the clutch warranty cover the labor, or just the parts?
- How long will the car be in the shop?
Can you do it yourself?
An advanced DIY; the transmission must come off, which needs a lift, a jack and a helper, and a mistake means doing the work twice.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
How long does a clutch last?
Most last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. City driving, towing and riding the pedal wear it faster.
What are signs it's worn?
The engine revs but the car does not speed up, the pedal feels spongy or high, or you smell burning. Shifting gets hard or grinds.
Should the flywheel be replaced?
Often it's resurfaced. Some dual-mass flywheels are costly and should be replaced if worn.
How much does clutch replacement (manual transmission) cost?
A typical range in Boston is $1,100 to $2,250. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $1,100 to $2,250 |
| New York City area | $1,075 to $2,175 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $1,075 to $2,200 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $1,050 to $2,100 |
| Houston area, Texas | $990 to $2,000 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $990 to $2,000 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $1,000 to $2,050 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $1,050 to $2,100 |
| Miami area, Florida | $990 to $2,050 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $1,100 to $2,200 |