The national average cost for a clutch pressure plate replacement in 2023 is $175
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National average cost of a Clutch Pressure Plate Replacement for popular vehicles:
Volkswagen Jetta
Avg. cost $1729
Toyota Corolla
Avg. cost $951
Fiat 500
Avg. cost $558
What is a clutch pressure plate and how does it work?
A clutch pressure plate is a component of a manual transmission system. In order to switch gears in a manual transmission, it is necessary to momentarily disengage the transmission from the engine. That is the job of the clutch. The clutch has two main components - the clutch disc and the pressure plate.
The clutch pressure plate is a large circular steel plate that applies spring loaded pressure to the clutch disc, holding it against the flywheel during normal driving operation. When you press on the clutch pedal, the spring tension inside the pressure plate is overcome and the clutch disc spins freely. This disengages the transmission from the engine so that you can select a different gear.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a new clutch pressure plate?
There are several signs that your clutch assembly needs attention. When the clutch is serviced, it is common for a technician to replace all related components, including the disc, pilot bearing, release bearing, and pressure plate. When these components wear out or fail, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms
Your engine seems to “run away” or rev up when you press the accelerator pedal without an increase in vehicle speed
The clutch pedal is unusually easy to press
You experience difficulty shifting between gears or from neutral into a selected gear
You hear grinding noises when shifting gears
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To replace a clutch pressure plate, a technician must first safely lift and support your vehicle in the air for access. From there, a typical clutch assembly replacement consists of the following
Removal of the driveshaft(s) and transfer case (if so equipped)
Removal of the clutch slave cylinder and/or clutch linkage
Unbolting and removing the transmission from the vehicle
Disassembly of the clutch assembly to remove and replace the pressure plate
Reinstallation of the transmission, linkage, slave cylinder, and other components
In the case of a hydraulic clutch, the hydraulic fluid must be replaced and the system may need to be bled of any air in the fluid. Special alignment tools and procedures may also be required to properly reassemble and install the clutch assembly into the transmission.
OTHER QUESTIONS CUSTOMERS ASK
When should I replace my clutch pressure plate?
The clutch pressure plate is part of the clutch assembly. Although the pressure plate can be replaced on its own, most technicians recommend replacing the entire clutch assembly at one time for two reasons. First, the time it takes to replace the pressure plate is no different than replacement of all standard clutch components. And when the pressure plate wears out, it is common for the other components to wear out at the same time.
What causes clutch pressure plate failure?
Clutch pressure plates often fail when the friction material on the clutch disc becomes significantly worn away. When this happens, the rivets in the disc begin to grind against the clutch pressure plate and score the surface. Clutch pressure plates may also fail from a vehicle being loaded beyond its GVWR or pulling more than its rated towing capacity, which can cause clutch pressure plate overheating and warpage.
What is the difference between the clutch plate and the pressure plate?
The clutch plate is a circular disc covered with a fibrous friction material. It is connected to the transmission input shaft and is not in motion when the vehicle is stopped. A more common name for the clutch plate is the clutch disc. The clutch pressure plate, on the other hand, is a circular steel plate that is connected to the engine, and is always spinning when the engine is running. The clutch pressure plate applies pressure to the clutch disc when the clutch pedal is released, thereby bringing the transmission input shaft up to the rotational speed of the clutch pressure plate and engine.
RELATED PARTS
What parts are related to a Clutch Pressure Plate Replacement?
