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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace the clutch slave cylinder?
Where can I get my clutch slave cylinder replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my clutch slave cylinder?
What happens if I don’t replace my clutch slave cylinder?
What is a clutch slave cylinder?
Can I replace the clutch slave cylinder myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace the clutch slave cylinder?

The total cost to replace your clutch slave cylinder averages $290-$260—replacement parts average $100-$115, while mechanic labor costs around $110-$145. Remember, this is just an estimate—total costs to replace the clutch slave cylinder on your vehicle will depend on the make and model and where you have the service done.

How long does it take to replace the clutch slave cylinder? A certified mechanic can replace your clutch slave cylinder in about 1.15 hours. They will first inspect the master cylinder and slave cylinder, check the brake fluid, and inspect the clutch pedal function before replacing any malfunctioning parts, if necessary.

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 slave cylinder replacement and how much do those parts cost?

The clutch slave cylinder is a single part in the clutch system, meaning it’s generally the only part you’ll need to replace if it's damaged or faulty. However, because the slave cylinder is connected to other parts of the clutch system, other parts may also need replacing if they are damaged.

The average cost of parts to replace the clutch slave cylinder is between $79.41 and $97.06, but depending on your vehicle’s make and model and if you require other parts, you could pay more.

If you’re replacing your slave cylinder at home, you’ll need some additional tools and equipment, such as:

Wrench set

Boxed end wrenches

Brass punch

Breaker bar

Drip pan

Fastener remover

Ratchet

Needle nose pliers

Torques bit set

Torque wrench

Vampire pump and bottle

You can purchase a clutch slave cylinder 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 of our top recommended brands for clutch slave cylinder parts are Centric Parts, Dorman, and ACDelco. However, keep in mind that the best part and brand for your clutch slave cylinder replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Do you need a new slave cylinder when replacing the clutch?

If you’re replacing the clutch on your car or removing the transmission, it’s also recommended to change the slave cylinder. Replacing only the clutch while leaving older parts in the clutch system may lead to other, more costly repairs down the road.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket clutch slave cylinder?

The clutch system is a critical component of a car’s manual transmission, and for proper clutch engagement and adjustment to happen, these parts need the appropriate fit and function. While you may be able to find aftermarket parts that will do the job, buying OEM parts is recommended, as they’re generally higher quality, are manufactured to OEM specifications, and come with a warranty.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my clutch slave cylinder replaced?

Changing the clutch slave cylinder on your car might be a simple DIY job for car-savvy people, but for anyone who’s not comfortable under the hood, finding a reputable and trusted automotive repair shop can be tricky—especially if you don’t have a go-to mechanic in your area.

With Jerry's

GarageGuard™

, you can find one hassle-free! Jerry's GarageGuard™ helps you compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops nationwide in seconds.

You can also compare fair price estimates from repair shops using their hourly labor rate, determine if you need to budget for diagnostic fees, and read actual reviews from real customers to help you feel confident in choosing the right services.

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

124 Reviews

Noble Wholesale Tires & Auto Repair

1755 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL

Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$203

(Parts - $88, Labor - $115)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (727) 408-5155

147 Reviews

Uptown Automotive

1089 San Mateo Ave, San Francisco, CA

Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$245

(Parts - $88, Labor - $157)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$200

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (650) 871-8602

187 Reviews

106 St Tire & Wheel

106-01 Northern Blvd, Manhattan, NY

Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$209

(Parts - $88, Labor - $121)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$25

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 718) 446-6769

130 Reviews

Cordova Auto Center 4

3425 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX

Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$177

(Parts - $88, Labor - $89)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$45

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (210) 921-1148

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 slave cylinder?

Once you have identified the signs of clutch slave cylinder failure, your mechanic will take the following steps to replace it:

Inspect the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder

Check the condition of the brake fluid

Inspect the operation of the clutch pedal

Remove and replace the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder

Bleed all air from the master cylinder

Test drive the vehicle

You can keep your clutch cylinders in good health by having routine maintenance like brake fluid flushes and replacing old hoses and seals regularly.

What happens if I don’t replace my clutch slave cylinder?

If you notice any symptoms of a bad clutch slave cylinder, it’s important to have it inspected and replaced as soon as possible. Not replacing a faulty slave cylinder will lead to issues shifting gears, which can be dangerous on the road. Depending on where the problem is, it can also lead to leaking brake fluid, which, again, impairs the function and safety of your car.

What is a clutch slave cylinder?

The clutch slave cylinder is part of the clutch system that helps leverage the clutch fork—it operates similarly to a hydraulic cylinder on a boom lift. The clave cylinder is connected to the clutch master cylinder (located on the firewall next to the brake master cylinder) via a hose.

When the clutch disengages, it allows brake fluid to flow from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder, providing the necessary pressure to engage the clutch. When you release the clutch, a return spring in or on the slave cylinder forces the brake fluid back to the clutch master cylinder.

During a clutch slave cylinder replacement, a mechanic will inspect the slave cylinder, its seals, and the clutch system to determine if it’s faulty. If it is broken or malfunctioning, they will do a complete replacement and install a new clutch slave cylinder.

How do I know if my clutch slave cylinder needs replacing?

On a car with a manual transmission, the clutch slave cylinder is constantly in use, which means it’s subject to a lot of wear and tear, and over time, parts can become worn and malfunction. Here’s a list of the most common symptoms associated with a bad clutch slave cylinder:

Clutch doesn’t work

Clutch pedal sinks to the floor when pressed

Clutch pedal feels spongy, soft, or loose

Clutch pedal feels overly hard

Gears grind during shifting

Gears are hard to shift

Gears will not shift at all

Brake fluid is low and/or leaking

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic immediately.

How often should you replace the clutch slave cylinder?

The slave cylinder in a vehicle is contained within a sealed system, so it’s designed to have a lengthy lifespan and may never need replacing. But as with the clutch master cylinder, there’s no set interval for when you “should” have it replaced—it’s a part that generally won’t need replacing unless there’s an issue. It’s not part of your

regular car maintenance

, so you’ll need to ask your mechanic to check it out if you want to keep on top of it.

Can I replace the clutch slave cylinder myself?

For drivers who want to

save money on car expenses

, taking on a DIY clutch slave cylinder replacement might be easy if you know what you’re doing. However, you’ll want to confirm with your owner's manual and ensure you're working on the correct area of your engine. Taking out the wrong part can seriously affect your car’s function and result in spending unnecessary money.

If you can't identify the clutch slave cylinder or know little about car repairs, it’s a good idea to let a professional handle the clutch slave cylinder replacement.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace the clutch slave cylinder?

The average cost to replace a clutch slave cylinder is $206. Remember that this is just an estimate—the exact cost for the replacement may be more or less based on your vehicle’s make and model. Also, more expensive and high-performance cars tend to have more expensive auto parts, so replacement costs may be higher.

Can I drive with a bad slave cylinder?

It’s not recommended. The clutch slave cylinder usually fails from either wear and tear or damage, so a complete replacement is the best option. Because the slave cylinder is an integral part of your car’s powertrain, driving with a bad slave cylinder can interfere with gear shifting and render your vehicle unsafe to drive. Plus, it can cause further damage to your car that could be costly to repair.

How do you know when to replace the clutch slave cylinder?

The most common sign that it’s time to replace the clutch slave cylinder is trouble shifting gears. When the cylinder fails, you’ll notice a soft clutch pedal and/or clutch fluid leaking, affecting how the car can shift gears.

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.