The average cost for a throwout bearing replacement is $30 to $820, depending on if you take it to the mechanic or DIY.
The price range listed is based on the national average for all vehicles and does not consider taxes, fees, or your vehicle’s particular make, model, or location. Related repairs or maintenance, such as replacing the clutch or flywheel are also not included. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a more accurate estimate for your throwout replacement using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator:
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Cost at the Mechanic: $330 to $820
- Parts: $30 to $100
- Labor: $300 to $720
It will take approximately four to six hours for a qualified mechanic to complete a throwout bearing replacement. The average price of labor is between $75 and $120 an hour, so this is where you’ll probably spend the bulk of your money for this job. Replacing the throwout bearing should be done whenever the bearing itself is making noise or when the clutch is being replaced.
Cost To DIY: $30 to $100
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Parts Needed:
The throwout bearing itself is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to replace once the transmission is out, but unless you have the tools, space, and know-how to remove the manual transmission, this is a job best left for the professionals. If you can perform this project yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars at the mechanic, since the bulk of the cost for a throwout bearing replacement comes from the labor involved.
Keep in mind: Many vehicle components are specifically designed for your unique make and model. If you plan to replace the throwout bearing yourself, ensure you get the right parts to fit your specific vehicle. If you’re unsure about what you need, refer to your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations and more information.
What Is a Throwout Bearing?
A throwout bearing is also known as the clutch release bearing. When you depress the clutch pedal, the clutch fork, which contains the throwout bearing, applies pressure to the clutch diaphragm spring to disengage the engine from the transmission during shifts. The throwout bearing returns to its original position when the clutch pedal is released. The engine power is then transferred through the transmission and out to the wheels to power the vehicle down the road.
What Does a Throwout Bearing Replacement Include?
To perform a throwout bearing replacement, you’ll need to start by having the vehicle raised up to allow enough room for the transmission to be removed. Disconnect the battery and remove the driveshaft or CV axles. With a jack under the transmission and some sort of bracing for the engine, remove the transmission bolts and separate the transmission from the engine.
Put the transmission jack under the transmission and use straps to secure it while removing the bolts that secure the clutch housing to the engine crankcase. Lower the transmission jack slowly to pull pressure off the slide transmission and input shaft for removal. Don’t let the weight of the transmission sit on the input shaft. Check the metal fingers on the pressure plate to ensure none are broken or distorted.
Undo the mounting bolts using a crisscross pattern to avoid distorting the pressure plate. A screwdriver can be placed in the flywheel to keep it from moving. Remove the rest of the bolts while the pressure plate is supported, and remove the clutch disc and pressure plate.
Clean all surfaces using brake cleaner or degreaser. Examine the pressure plate for chips, grooves, or scoring. Check the flywheel for any gouging, warping, or rivet grooves. Everything should be smooth, and the flywheel teeth should be good. Look at the release bearing to determine whether it needs to be replaced, and apply a little moly-base grease to the transmission input shaft.
Remove the cover from the withdrawal lever, and release and detach the clip assembly from the ball pivot. Remove the withdrawal lever and throwout bearing plus the hub assembly. Put the new throwout bearing in place and reassemble it in the reverse order.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Throwout Bearing?
You need to keep all components of your transmission and clutch running smoothly for the functionality and safety of your vehicle. Once your throwout bearing starts to go bad, you’ll notice signs that you’re having trouble or even experience a complete failure of your clutch and transmission. Damage to this bearing may result from an accident or years of regular wear and tear. As soon as you notice you’re having issues with your throwout bearing, you need to get it replaced. Do not drive around with a bad throwout bearing.
How Often To Replace Your Throwout Bearing
The throwout bearing isn’t a component that has regularly scheduled maintenance. It’s designed to last up to 100,000 miles on average, but you may find that you need to replace your throwout bearing sooner than that if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or regularly drive in environments that are sandy, muddy, dusty, etc.
Common Symptoms You Need To Replace the Throwout Bearing
You will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms if your throwout bearing goes out:
- Stiff clutch
- Issues with shifting gears
- Vibrating clutch pedal
- Strange noises when you depress the clutch pedal
- Grinding while shifting gears with the clutch depressed
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed at the same time as a throwout bearing replacement:
- Replace clutch
- Replace flywheel
If you have to replace your clutch or flywheel later, you’ll pay twice for the mechanic to get into the same part of your transmission.
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