The average cost to replace your car’s clutch cable is $195—parts cost an average of $103, while mechanic labor costs around $92. Remember that this is just an estimate, though. The total cost to replace your vehicle’s clutch cable will vary based on your vehicle’s make and model and the repair shop you choose.

How long does it take to replace the cabin air filter? A certified mechanic can replace your clutch cable in about 0.8 hours hours. It’s a simple process requiring minimal tools. They’ll first locate the clutch cable, inspect it for damage, and replace it with a new one if necessary.

Here’s an overview of the clutch cable replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 24, 2024	Harriett, 23 Raleigh, NC	Mitsubishi Eclipse	$284	$154	$130	1.0 Hours
April 23, 2024	Roxie, 24 Magnolia, TX	Mercury Mariner	$126	$41	$85	0.7 Hours
April 21, 2024	Jorge, 27 Milwaukee, WI	Oldsmobile Alero	$260	$154	$107	1.0 Hours
April 16, 2024	Charlotte, 37 Madison, WI	Cadillac Escalade	$130	$41	$89	0.7 Hours
April 15, 2024	Janie, 38 Oxford, FL	Geo Prizm	$262	$154	$109	1.0 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my clutch cable replacement and how much do those parts cost?

The clutch cable is a single part, which means when it breaks or becomes damaged, it’s usually the only part you’ll need to replace.

Replacing the clutch cable isn’t overly expensive, with parts costing between $131.81 and $161.10. That said, changing the cable can be a bit laborious—so labor costs average between $105 and $130. You could pay more or less depending on your vehicle and the shop you choose.

In addition to a new clutch cable, you’ll also need the following equipment and tools:

Floor jack

Jack stands

Wheel chocks

Wrench set

Chisel

Electric drill and bit set

Needle nose plyers

Ratchet with metric and standard sockets

Reverse tap

Torque wrench

Torque bit set

You can purchase clutch cable parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for clutch cable parts are Dorman, ATP Automotive, and Pioneer Cables. However, the best part and brand for your clutch cable replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket clutch cable?

When it comes to replacing your clutch cable, OEM replacements are recommended. Although aftermarket cables might be cheaper and easier to find than OEM parts, they’re often lower quality and may need replacing more frequently.

OEM parts are manufactured to the highest quality and specific to your vehicle’s make and model. For example, an OEM Ford Clutch Cable has a multi-material, layered construction for better heat, friction, and collapsibility protection than aftermarket cables.

While OEM parts may cost more upfront, they can save you money down the road.

Where can I buy a clutch cable replacement?

If you want to buy a replacement clutch cable online, auto parts stores like NAPA Auto Parts and AutoZone sell them. You can also find them on sites like Amazon and sometimes Walmart.

Most stores selling automotive parts carry them if you want to buy a clutch cable in person. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual before buying a new cable to ensure it’s compatible with your car’s make and model.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my clutch cable replaced?

Changing the clutch cable on your car might be a simple job if you’re car-savvy but it can be challenging and time-consuming if you’re not. And finding a reputable auto repair shop to have your cable replaced can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic in your area.

Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes things easy! You can compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto shops nationwide in seconds.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate. You can also determine whether you need to budget for diagnostic fees and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.

155 Reviews

1 Stop Auto Services

469 Crescent Blvd, Camden, NJ

Clutch Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$226

(Parts - $146, Labor - $80)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$40

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (856) 475-5084

162 Reviews

Victory Auto Service & Glass - Maplewood

2128 Rice St, Minneapolis, MN

Clutch Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$301

(Parts - $146, Labor - $155)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$154

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (651) 403-5958

125 Reviews

The Car People

3994 Dickerson Pike #1304, Madison, TN

Clutch Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$245

(Parts - $146, Labor - $99)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$146

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (615) 860-1110

100 Reviews

Innovative Auto Solutions

4135 Jackie Rd SE #101, Rio Rancho, NM

Clutch Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$277

(Parts - $146, Labor - $131)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (505) 273-7313

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my clutch cable?

Here are the steps involved in a clutch cable replacement:

Raise the vehicle on jack stands

Remove the old clutch cable from the clutch pedal and transmission

Connect a new clutch cable to the clutch pedal and transmission

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle

Press down on the clutch pedal to check the assembly

Test drive vehicle by double clutching

What happens if I don’t replace my clutch cable?

If you notice signs that you might have a bad clutch cable, it’s important to have it inspected and replaced as soon as possible.

Driving a car with a faulty clutch or a broken clutch cable can further damage your gearbox, starter motor, shifter, or transmission system entirely. Plus, neglecting regular clutch cable maintenance can result in repairs that are far more costly down the road.

What is a clutch cable and clutch cable replacement?

The clutch cable is an important component of your vehicle’s transmission. It’s responsible for engaging and disengaging your gears when the clutch pedal is pressed on a car with a manual transmission.

Because the clutch is under constant pressure while driving, the cable is prone to wear and tear and should be replaced every few years.

Luckily, the repair process is relatively straightforward and can be completed quickly by either you or a mechanic.

How do I know if my clutch cable needs replacing?

Clutch cables typically need to be replaced every two years. If you notice any of the following, though, get your vehicle in for an immediate clutch cable replacement:

The clutch pedal is unresponsive unless extreme pressure is applied

The clutch pedal fails to revert to its original position after being pressed

The transmission is hard to shift

The transmission slips out of gear

Sometimes you may just need a clutch cable adjustment. If your foot is rising higher up on the clutch pedal than normal before your clutch engages, call to have it serviced.

Keep in mind that if your car is still under warranty and the cable clutch breaks from something other than wear and tear, it may be covered through your dealership.

How often should you replace the clutch cable?

Because the clutch is constantly used when driving a manual vehicle, it’s subject to a lot of wear and tear. Mechanics recommend replacing it every two years. That said, if you drive more than the average person, you may need to replace it sooner.If you experience symptoms of a bad cable clutch or notice it’s worn during

regular vehicle maintenance

, schedule an appointment to replace it as soon as possible.

Can I replace my cable clutch myself?

If you’re looking to

save money on car expenses

and are a skilled auto DIYer with the required tools, changing your cable clutch might be a piece of cake. But if you don’t have exactly what you need to make the process easy or are not confident in your automotive DIY skills, this job is better left to a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

What happens if the clutch cable breaks while driving?

If your clutch cable breaks while driving, you’ll notice that your vehicle can’t shift into gear and it will be undrivable. If this happens, pull over immediately into a safe place on the side of the road and call for help. The clutch cable is a simple component of your vehicle’s transmission, but it renders the vehicle undrivable when it fails.

What does a broken clutch cable feel like?

If your clutch cable is broken, the clutch pedal will remain stuck on the floor and the clutch system won’t operate, meaning you won’t be able to shift gears. Simply put, there will be no resistance when the pedal is pressed.

How often do you need to replace a clutch cable?

There’s no set interval for how long a clutch cable will last—most times, it depends on how often you drive your vehicle. On average, the clutch cable should be replaced every two years, but it's a good idea to have it checked routinely. At the very least, check your cable before heading on a long road trip.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.