Replace clutch, what are the costs?

Nov 5, 2020 | Clutch | 2 comments

The cost of replacing a clutch varies greatly by make and model. There are also big differences between garagists and the corresponding hourly rate. And then there is the question of whether or not one replaces the flywheel with it. This difference is significant. 

Before we get to the average prices, we will first discuss the operation and components of the clutch. By reading this article, you will gain more knowledge about this part. You will then be able to better assess whether your garage is charging the right amount for the replacement of a clutch and possibly the flywheel. 

Operation of the clutch

The clutch is one of the most important parts of your car. If you have a clutch that is not working, you will not be able to put the car into gear, so driving becomes impossible.  

The clutch and your engine are connected via the flywheel in the engine. If there is no pressure on your clutch pedal, this causes the clutch to engage. This causes the clutch plate to come into contact with the flywheel thanks to powerful springs. There is friction between these parts, creating a solid connection that transmits the movement of the engine to the transmission.

Depressing the clutch pedal

When you press the clutch pedal, it relaxes the springs that hold the flywheel and the clutch disc together. This breaks the link because the clutch discs are no longer in contact and do not rotate.

By putting your car in neutral, an opening is created at the gearbox through which the clutch pedal can be released. In other words, you do not select any gears in the gearbox, but the clutch plate, engine and flywheel continue to rotate without the wheel moving.

Parts of the clutch 

As described, the clutch consists of several parts and they are all subject to wear and tear. Most people are familiar with the flywheel and the pressure plate, but there are more parts that make the clutch work. The clutch disc is one of them and sits pressed against the flywheel. This thin round disc is connected to the gearbox input shaft. Next to that, you have the thrust bearing and the lever. These ensure that the clutch plate comes off the flywheel and that shifting can take place. 

Clutch replacement costs per make and model 

The costs listed below are always an indication. The actual costs vary from garage to garage. In addition, it is important to ask a garage whether original or aftermarket parts are used. Using aftermarket parts, when a car gets older can be a good way to keep maintenance affordable. With these aftermarket parts, you can quickly save 20% on your car's repair costs. 

Below are the cost indications of the most popular brands and models. 

Audi A3, A4 and A6 1.9 tdi engine

The famous 1.9 tdi engine is fitted in many models. From 90 to 150 hp, the VAG parts are usually of good quality. However, due to the high torque of this diesel, the clutch can sometimes give up the ghost. 

• Clutch replacement 1.9 tdi without flywheel (indication): 500-600,- euro 
• Clutch replacement 1.9 tdi with flywheel (indication): 1000 - 1400,- Euros  

In some cases, the two-mass flywheel is replaced with a single one. This can cause a little more vibration in the car. On the other hand, they are often more wear-resistant. 

Audi A3, A4, Q3, Q5, and A6 2.0 tdi engine

Although the 2.0 tdi engine had some teething problems in the early years, it is a fine engine to drive. Unfortunately even with these engines the clutch does need to be replaced from time to time. Unfortunately the costs are often much higher compared to the 1.9 tdi. 

Clutch replacement without flywheel 2.0 tdi (indication) 650 - 800,- euros

Clutch replacement with flywheel 2.0 tdi (indication) 1200 - 1500,- Euros

Audi A3 and A4 with the 1.6 petrol engine 

VAG's 100 hp 1.6 is also frequently used in cars originating from this group. So too in several generations of the A3 and A4. As we would expect from VAG, the clutch is of good quality. As these cars get older and they are regularly driven in the city, where there is a lot of shifting, the clutch may have to take a turn. 

• Clutch replacement 1.6 without flywheel (indication): 450 - 600,- Euros 
• Clutch replacement 1.6 with flywheel (indication): 900 - 1200,- Euros 

BMW 1 series, BMW 3 series and 5 series 1.8d and 2.0d 

The 2.0d has been used in many BMW models. Over the years, this smooth and economical diesel has undergone some updates. Because of this, there may be a difference in costs when replacing the clutch and flywheel. Versions with an automatic gearbox are not included. 

• Clutch replacement BMW 2.0d without flywheel (indication) 600 - 700,- euro
• Clutch replacement BMW 2.0d with flywheel (indication) 1200 - 1500,- Euros

Ford Focus and Mondeo 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and TDCI engines

Ford is known to have a good price/quality ratio. Fortunately, these friendly prices also apply to the maintenance costs. The parts like the clutch and flywheel are a lot cheaper compared to BMW for example. 

The 1.6 and 1.8 and 2.0 engines in both petrol and diesel are widely sold in the Netherlands. Below is an indication of the cost for replacing a clutch and possibly the flywheel. 

• Clutch replacement 1.6 to 2.0 engine (TDCI) without flywheel (indication) 400-500,- Euros
• Clutch replacement 1.6 to 2.0 engine (TDCI) with flywheel (indication) 900-1100,- euros

Peugeot 107, 206, 207, 307, 308 1.0, 1.1, 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 and HDI engine 

Peugeot is a popular brand in the Netherlands. Thousands of the above models have been sold. Therefore, replacing the clutch of these models is a common repair. The after market parts for Peugeot are relatively cheap because they are produced in large numbers. Below the cost indication overview of these engines/models: 

• Clutch replacement 107 1.0 without flywheel (indication) 300 - 400.00 euros
• Clutch replacement 1.1 and 1.6 engines without flywheel 400 - 500,- euros
• Replace clutch 1.4 and 1.6 engines with flywheel 900 - 1200,- Euros (hardly ever needs to be replaced as this is a single/fixed flywheel) 
• Clutch replacement 1.6 and 2.0 HDI engines with flywheel 900 - 1250,- euros

Volvo V70, S60, V50, S40, S80, Diesel and Petrol 

Past Volvo cars in particular were bullet-proof so were the parts. It was the rule rather than the exception for Volvo clutches and flywheels to last more than 3 tonnes. Now Volvo drivers often drive a lot, so 3 tonnes is not unusual by Volvo standards. The cost of replacing a clutch varies greatly by type. The V50, for example, shares a lot of technology with Ford and is therefore relatively cheap to maintain. With the "real" Volvo models, such as the S60 and first generations of the V70, the costs can be higher. 

• Clutch V50 - S40 without flywheel (indication) 400 - 550,- Euros 
• Clutch V50 - S40 with flywheel (indication) 900 - 1200,- Euros 
• Clutch V70, S60, S80 without flywheel (indication) 700 - 900,- Euros 
• Clutch V70, S60, S80 with flywheel (indication) 1500 - 1800,- Euros 

VW Polo, Golf and Passat

As most people know, Audi and VW share many parts and they both belong to the VAG group. A VW specialist will in almost all cases work on Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda. The prices for replacing a clutch and possibly the flywheel will therefore not differ much. The VW Polo, for example, does come with smaller engines, including the 1.2 three-cylinder. The prices for replacing a clutch excl. and incl. the flywheel are listed below. 

• Clutch Polo without flywheel (indication) 400 - 600 Euros 
• Clutch Polo with flywheel (indication) 900 - 1200 Euros

Look for the TDI variants at Audi - the costs should be similar.  

Clutch disc less likely to be replaced

Sep 24, 2019 | Clutch | 0 comments

A Replacing the clutch will easily cost more than 400. The price depends on the brand and also on the hourly rate of your garage. Expect a mechanic to spend at least half a day replacing this part. Unexpected costs (such as replacing a clutch) are always a setback. Therefore, this short article describes how you can extend the life of your clutch plates. Please note that if the clutch is already worn out, there is no escaping the need to replace it. Therefore, I start with an introduction on how to determine that the clutch or clutch plates are worn out.

Symptoms worn clutch

A worn clutch can be diagnosed in several ways. The simplest way is the fact that the clutch pedal engages high. This means that the car only starts moving at the end of the clutch stroke. Usually, smooth acceleration has become impossible.
Another way to tell if the clutch is worn out is to drive constantly at 80 km/h, then put the car in fifth gear and give it full throttle. If the car is revving, but not accelerating, the clutch is probably worn out. Finally, you can also put the car on the handbrake, put it in gear and let out the clutch. If the car does not stall, your clutch is probably worn out. This is not very good for your car, so don't do it too often.

The do's to keep your clutch in one piece

• Depress the clutch fully and release it completely when the car is in a certain gear. Most clutch wear is when the pedal is only half depressed.
• Do a slope test on the handbrake and not on the clutch.
• Always drive off in first gear instead of second or third. 
• When approaching a traffic light, try to slow down slowly so that in some cases you can drive straight through and not come to a complete stop. 
• Adjust the engine speed when changing down. Lift the accelerator slightly while releasing the clutch.

The Don'ts to keep your clutch in one piece 

• Don't rest your foot on the clutch pedal, put it next to it. 
• Don't depress the clutch pedal excessively hard, do it gradually. 
• Do not shift at too low an engine speed. 
• Do not park your car in gear. This is what the handbrake is for. 
• Try not to shift gears unnecessarily. 

To conclude, somewhere in the life of a car you cannot escape the need to replace a clutch. Some car makes such as certain types Volvos have a very long life and are often driven by quiet drivers. If you want to last as long as possible with your clutch, apply the tips above and treat the clutch pedal with care.