Labor cost of installing a new clutch
 

Just out of curiosity, what is the labor cost of installing a new clutch?

Anytime i see someone mention that they are going to buy a Z for their first MT car, lots of people say things like ' don't burn out your clutch' etc.... essentially, if you wear out your clutch because your drove the car poorly in the begining, and had to replace it several thousand miles earlier, it would be the end of the world. Based on the price of the clutch replacements they sell at the Z store.. (About 400 bucks) it doesn't seem like this would really be the most financially devastating part to replace. I mean... a new set of the sport tires cost more than the clutch and there are people out there are still people out there doing burnouts. then, some people have this notion that it is somehow more worthwhile to buy a beater or to rent a car to learn on. If someone mentions something of teaching their mom drive their car or anything that implied that someone other than a professional racing driver will be controlling the the third pedal, some people go ape****.

so am i missing something, or does the labor cost some outlandish amount that justifies all of the above sentiments?

lets just say me and a mate had a half day work replacing the clutch of a forst escort.

actually replacing the clutch plates is not something done in one hour.

Clutches are expensive components...and labor is too.

4-6 hours labor + expensive clutch = $700 OTD minimum, and that's not considering either replacing (ideal) or having the OEM flywheel ground a bit.

i don't know about the z but

i drove:

the 92 honda civic -- 100K miles
the 99 bmw 328i -- 75K miles
and the 2005 mb c320 -- 62k miles

without having to replace the clutches.

Every car I've driven has been a MT. While I've only been driving for a little over 10 years, I've never had to replace a clutch on a car. I learned MT on a 72 bug, which I still own, and even started teaching my fiance how to drive on it. To this day, no clutch issues.

I think the whole "don't burn out your clutch!" and "don't engine brake...brakes are cheaper than clutches!" arguments are a little bit on the dramatic side. My Dad has been driving for almost 40 years and he's had to replace the clutch in 1 car of his.

:iagree: Of my 57 cars owned I've yet to replace a clutch over 45 years of driving. I've got a friend now with 212K miles on his Audi TT and original clutch.
Most of my Audi buddies are well over 100K on originals.
If you want to play though, you're gonna pay (eventually)

I had over 60K on my stock STi clutch when I sold it with no issues. That included about 10 track days and over 100 auto-x runs (with launches on every run) at stage 2 power levels. Seems like a clutch can take quite a bit of 'abuse' as long as the proper technique is used.

To answer your original question though, yes labor can be pretty high on replacing a clutch.

Thanks for your input. I understand that its bad to damage or cause unnecessary wear on any part of a car, and anything that can be done to make a part last longer should be done. However i think some go to extremes once clutch/flywheel are mentioned and it doesn't seem to make sense. Based on what everyone here has said, the need to replace a clutch is very rare, and IMO 700 dollars to replace a clutch if you have to do it ONCE in the life of a vehicle really isn't that steep. I mean.... look at the amount of money people put into their cars in terms of mods.

My first manual transmission was a 2003 Mustang GT. We went through many a trip down the drag strip... tons of powershifts and all that jazz... I traded it in with I think 50,000 miles on it and the clutch was still working like a champ.

I don't know how long I'll own this car, but I don't anticipate replacing the clutch UNLESS I need a new clutch that can handle more power... i.e. if I go FI.

i dont see how youd have to replace a cluctch, sounds like you replace the whole car every 6 months lol

:inoutroflpuke:

Yeah... I sort of wonder how long Modshack will be here until he moves on to another car. :icon18:

The problem is that if you don't use the clutch correctly, you can certainly wear it out fairly quickly. The prime example is "riding" the cluch. This is where you leave your foot on the clutch with just enough force to cause it to slip a tiny bit as you drive. Can take a clutch out fairly quickly. The good news is that as long as you don't get into this habit, the clutch will last a long long time. the other major advantage of a manual clutch is sthat it's cheaper and easier to upgrade if you want to mod your car for more power.

LOL...Who knows? I can tell you I have TWO 370's in the driveway as we speak!

http://images29.fotki.com/v310/photo...MG_2355-vi.jpg

^WTH? Did you buy another one modshack? I hope you don't go away soon, your DIY's and input are always very helpful.