You can expect an average total replacement cost of $232 for a fan clutch replacement, with $132 for parts and $100 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a fan clutch? In general, it takes around 0.8 hours hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of fan clutch costs for different vehicles:

Fan clutch replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 20, 2024	Celia, 30 Georgetown, TX	Volvo S80	$156	$67	$89	0.7 Hours
April 20, 2024	Nell, 29 Harvey, IL	Honda Civic	$149	$67	$82	0.7 Hours
April 19, 2024	Scott, 32 Columbia, SC	Nissan Maxima	$254	$169	$85	0.7 Hours
April 17, 2024	Beatrice, 34 Oakland, CA	Subaru Legacy	$259	$173	$86	0.7 Hours
April 15, 2024	Isabel, 37 Wheeling, IL	Hyundai Sonata	$252	$169	$83	0.7 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.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

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

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s a general rundown:

Fan clutch: The fan clutch is the main part needed in the replacement. The fan clutch regulates the speed at which the cooling fan spins against the radiator. On its own, a new fan clutch can cost anywhere from $35 to $200.

Fan shroud: The fan shroud's function is to deliver even air distribution to the radiator core. If you’re replacing your fan clutch, it might also be time to exchange your old fan shroud for a new one. These cost between $30 and $150.

Water pump: The

water pump

is another essential part of your car’s cooling system. It’s connected to the same shaft as the fan clutch and collaborates with the latter to move both the air and cooling fluid. It’s a good idea to inspect it during a fan clutch replacement to avoid extra labor costs down the line. A water pump costs $45 to $150 on average.

Water pump pulley: If you’re swapping out your water pump during a fan clutch replacement, make sure to examine the water pump pulley as well. They can get damaged through repeated wear and tear. A new water pump pulley costs around $15 and $150.

Pro tip: Purchase a water pump and fan clutch replacement kit if you want to save on costs. Those generally go for $100 to $350 and include all the previously mentioned parts.

You can purchase fan clutch 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 fan clutch parts are ACDelco, Hayden Automotive, and GMB. However, keep in mind that the best parts and brands for your fan clutch replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket fan clutch?

When choosing between OEM or aftermarket options for a fan clutch replacement, we recommend opting for an OEM fan clutch. While they might be pricier, OEM fan clutches typically offer better longevity and reliability compared to aftermarket alternatives.

Where can I buy a fan clutch replacement?

You can order fan clutches at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also find them on Amazon.

Before searching for any replacement parts, consult your owner’s manual to make sure the part you purchase is compatible with your vehicle.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my fan clutch replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your fan clutch a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

113 Reviews

Kwik Kar Ridgmar

6510 Westworth Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

Fan Clutch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$240

(Parts - $130, Labor - $110)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (817) 806-2000

113 Reviews

FXG Automotive Diagnostics Inc.

635 Seaman Ave #2647, Queens, NY

Fan Clutch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$256

(Parts - $130, Labor - $126)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$140

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (516) 223-6740

153 Reviews

McWilliams And Walden Inc

4201 E Brundage Ln, Bakersfield, CA

Fan Clutch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$303

(Parts - $130, Labor - $173)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (661) 321-9952

125 Reviews

Jiffy Lube

2206 E Main St, League City, TX

Fan Clutch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$255

(Parts - $130, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (281) 332-5355

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 fan clutch?

When a mechanic replaces a fan clutch, they will normally follow these steps:

Remove the fan shroud to allow access to the fan and clutch assembly

Identify the failing fan clutch

Remove it by holding the water pump pulley

Install a new fan clutch in its place

Reinstall the fan shroud and hose

Test the new clutch to make sure it’s working correctly

More often than not, the mechanic will replace the fan clutch outright—but in some cases, they might be able to repair the original.

What happens if I don’t replace a bad fan clutch?

This service is necessary because a faulty fan clutch reduces your vehicle’s efficiency and capacity to keep the engine cool. A faulty fan clutch could cause the fans to spin too fast and waste engine power, or spin too slowly and raise the engine temperature. Both situations can result in damage to your vehicle.

What is a fan clutch?

An essential component of your vehicle’s cooling system, the fan clutch regulates the speed at which the cooling fan spins against the radiator. The fan has to spin more when the engine heats up.

When should I replace the fan clutch on my car?

Here are some common symptoms indicating the need for a fan clutch replacement:

The vehicle is overheating or not cooling properly

The air conditioning isn’t performing optimally

The engine compartment is rattling or vibrating

You hear scraping or clicking sounds from the engine compartment

Diminished fuel economy

Keep in mind: Some mechanics recommend replacing your vehicle’s water pump during the fan clutch replacement procedure because these parts interact and tend to age at the same rate.

How often do you need to replace a fan clutch?

There’s no exact timeline when it comes to the lifespan of your fan clutch, but they typically start to wear out around 150k miles. Be on the lookout for warning signs that yours may be on the fritz, such as your car either overheating or not cooling properly.

Is replacing a fan clutch yourself easy?

Unless you’re confident in your DIY auto repair skills, replacing a fan clutch can be tricky for beginners. It requires some mechanical knowledge and access to special tools. For the average car owner, it’s best to let a trained mechanic do the work.

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FAQs

Can you drive with a bad fan clutch?

Replace a failing fan clutch as soon as possible. A faulty fan clutch that is ignored for too long can cause engine damage due to overheating.

What does a broken fan clutch sound like?

A broken fan clutch can sound like clicking, scraping, or rattling noises from the engine compartment.

How long does it take to put in a fan clutch?

It takes an average of 0.8 hours hours to install a new fan clutch.

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.