How much is it to replace a gearbox and clutch?

Expect a combined gearbox and clutch replacement on a typical manual-transmission car to cost roughly $3,500–$9,000 in the United States, £2,000–£4,500 in the UK, and AU$3,500–$8,000 in Australia, depending on vehicle, parts quality, and labor rates. Replacing an automatic transmission (which doesn’t have a separate external clutch) usually runs $4,000–$8,500+ in the U.S., £1,800–£7,000+ in the UK, and AU$4,500–$9,000+ in Australia. Prices rise for luxury, performance, AWD, or dual-mass flywheel setups, and fall if remanufactured or used units are chosen.

Typical cost ranges by region

United States

The following ranges reflect current independent-shop pricing with quality aftermarket or remanufactured parts, excluding taxes and shop fees. Dealer quotes and luxury brands often trend higher.

• Manual gearbox replacement (reman/used): $2,200–$5,500 total
• Clutch replacement (disc, pressure plate, release bearing): $700–$2,500; with dual-mass flywheel (DMF): $1,200–$3,000
• Manual gearbox + clutch done together: $3,500–$9,000 (labor overlaps, saving $300–$800 vs doing separately)
• Traditional automatic transmission replacement (reman/new): $4,000–$8,500+; high-end/luxury or heavy-duty: $8,000–$15,000
• CVT replacement: $3,000–$6,500
• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) clutch pack only: $1,800–$3,500; full DCT replacement: $3,500–$7,500+

Variations come from brand (economy vs premium), drivetrain (FWD vs AWD), parts choice, and local labor rates ($100–$220/hr common in metro areas).

United Kingdom

UK pricing typically reflects recon (reconditioned) units and independent labor rates; main-dealer quotes can be significantly higher.

• Manual gearbox recon supplied and fitted: £900–£2,000; new OEM: £1,800–£3,500+
• Clutch kit fitted: £450–£900; with DMF: £900–£1,800 (AWD/performance up to £2,500+)
• Manual gearbox + clutch together: £2,000–£4,500 typical; premium/performance £4,000–£7,000
• Automatic transmission recon/new: £1,800–£4,000 / £3,500–£7,000+
• DCT clutch pack only: £900–£2,000; full DCT replacement: £2,800–£6,000+

Labor rates of £70–£150/hr, parts availability, and coding/programming needs influence totals.

Australia

Australian costs reflect independent workshop pricing; dealership and remote-area rates can be higher.

• Manual gearbox recon: AU$2,000–AU$4,000
• Clutch kit fitted: AU$800–AU$2,000; with DMF: AU$1,500–AU$3,500
• Manual gearbox + clutch together: AU$3,500–AU$8,000
• Automatic transmission replacement: AU$4,500–AU$9,000+
• DCT clutch pack only: AU$1,800–AU$3,800; full DCT replacement: AU$4,500–AU$9,000+

Vehicle segment, AWD packaging, and parts sourcing (OEM vs aftermarket vs reman) account for most of the spread.

What drives the price

Several technical and market factors push costs up or down. Understanding them can help you interpret quotes and choose the right path.

• Transmission type: Manuals are cheaper to replace than automatics; CVT and DCT units vary widely.
• Vehicle class: Luxury, performance, and trucks/SUVs often have pricier parts and higher labor times.
• AWD vs FWD/RWD: AWD adds removal time for driveline components.
• Dual-mass flywheel: Many modern manuals use a DMF; replacing it adds substantial parts cost.
• Parts choice: New OEM is most expensive; remanufactured offers value and warranty; used/junkyard units are cheapest but riskiest.
• Labor hours and shop rate: Typical clutch jobs take 4–10 hours; gearbox swaps 6–15+ hours depending on packaging.
• Programming and fluids: Modern autos often require coding, relearns, and specific OE fluids, adding $150–$400+/£100–£300+.
• Core charges and shipping: Reman units often carry refundable core deposits and freight costs.

Quotes that look “too good” may omit required flywheel replacement, hydraulic components, programming, or correct OEM-spec fluids.

Parts and labor breakdown

A clear estimate should list labor hours and each part being replaced. Here’s what commonly appears on a thorough work order.

• Labor: 4–10 hours (clutch), 6–15+ hours (gearbox/transmission), plus test drive and programming as needed.
• Clutch kit: Disc, pressure plate, release bearing/CSC (concentric slave cylinder) as applicable.
• Flywheel: Resurface or replace; DMF replacement is common if heat-damaged or out of spec.
• Hydraulics and hardware: Slave/master cylinder, pilot bearing, bolts, mounts as needed.
• Fluids and seals: OE-spec gear oil/ATF/CVT fluid, axle seals, input/output seals.
• Electronics: TCM/Mechatronics service, coding, adaptations, and software updates for many autos/DCTs.
• Core and freight: Reman transmissions typically include a core deposit refundable upon return of the old unit.

Line-item transparency helps compare bids apples-to-apples and reduces surprise add-ons mid-job.

When to replace versus repair

Symptoms guide whether you need a clutch-only job, a gearbox/trans rebuild, or full replacement.

• Likely clutch issues: Engine revs rise without speed (slip), difficulty engaging gears at a stop, pedal engagement near top, burning smell.
• Likely gearbox/transmission issues: No movement in one or more gears, harsh shifts, grinding, metal in fluid, whining under load, persistent DTCs (P07xx range).
• Manual strategy: If the gearbox is coming out, replacing a worn clutch and, if needed, the DMF at the same time saves labor.
• Automatics/CVT/DCT: Severe internal wear typically warrants a reman/new unit; some DCTs allow clutch-pack-only service if the gearset is healthy.

A proper diagnosis—scan data, road test, fluid inspection, and in some cases pressure tests—prevents unnecessary replacement.

Ways to save and get a good quote

A few steps can meaningfully cut costs and improve outcomes without compromising reliability.

1. Ask for remanufactured options with written nationwide warranty (often 2–3 years/24k–100k miles).
2. Request a complete estimate: labor hours, fluid specs, programming, flywheel policy, hydraulic parts, seals, taxes, and fees.
3. Compare 2–3 reputable shops; check certifications, reviews, turnaround time, and warranty labor coverage.
4. Bundle work: If replacing the gearbox on a manual, do the clutch/DMF now to avoid paying the same labor twice.
5. Confirm OE-spec fluids and any required software adaptations to protect warranty and performance.
6. Consider used units only with documented mileage, test results, and at least short-term warranty.

The goal is the best total value over time, not simply the lowest upfront number.

Timelines and warranty expectations

Most gearbox or clutch jobs fit within a short shop window if parts are in stock; special orders and programming can extend the schedule.

• Turnaround: 1–3 business days for clutch/manual swaps; 2–5 days for autos/DCTs/CVTs if programming or freight is involved.
• Warranties: Independents often offer 12 mo/12k miles (UK: 12 mo/unlimited km typical); reman transmissions frequently carry 2–3 yr, 24k–100k mile warranties.
• Road test and recheck: Good shops include a post-repair inspection after 100–500 miles to verify seals, fluid levels, and adaptations.

Clarify whether warranty covers parts and labor, is nationwide, and requires specific service intervals or programming proof.

Example ballparks by common scenarios

These real-world scenarios illustrate how configuration changes the bill, assuming independent-shop labor and quality parts.

• Compact manual (e.g., Honda Civic): Clutch $900–$1,600; gearbox swap $2,200–$4,200; combined $3,500–$5,500.
• Mid-size automatic (e.g., Toyota Camry): Reman transmission installed $4,200–$6,800.
• VW/Audi DSG: Clutch-pack service $1,800–$3,500; full unit $4,000–$7,500+.
• Subaru CVT: Replacement $4,000–$6,500 with correct CVT fluid and programming.
• BMW/Mercedes luxury auto: $5,500–$9,500+ depending on model and coding requirements.

Availability of reman units, regional labor rates, and model-specific complexity are the main swing factors.

Summary

For a manual-transmission car, budgeting $3,500–$9,000 in the U.S. (or regional equivalents) to replace both gearbox and clutch is realistic, with potential savings from reman units and combined labor. Automatics, CVTs, and DCTs vary more widely, often $4,000–$8,500+ for full replacement. Ask for itemized estimates, confirm programming and fluid specs, and leverage reman warranties to balance cost and durability.

Is it worth replacing a gearbox?

The gearbox helps in transitioning between speeds and creating a smooth driving experience. However, gearbox issues can lead to jerky rides, stalling, and long-term damage. These can impact your drive and car value down the road. Gearbox replacements have variable costs – typically between £500 and £2,500.

How much does a full clutch job cost?

Average cost to replace a clutch. The average cost to replace a clutch can range between $750 and $2,500, depending on the type of vehicle you drive. On average, people spend about $1,200 to $1,500.

How expensive is it to replace a gearbox?

If you’re in need of a gearbox replacement, it could set you back anywhere between $3000-$12000+ depending on your car.

How much does it cost to replace a clutch and gearbox?

Clutch and flywheel replacement costs

Vehicle type	Average clutch replacement cost	Flywheel replacement cost
Small cars	£300 to £500	Additional £150 to £300
Medium cars	£350 to £600	Additional £150 to £300
Larger cars	£400 to £800	Additional £150 to £300
Luxury cars	£500 to £900	Additional £150 to £300