A replacement clutch for a Jeep Wrangler TJ can cost upwards of $1,760 including parts and labor, depending on what year your TJ was built and what type of engine it has.

The Jeep Wrangler TJ is the archetypal offroad vehicle. It’s rugged, fun, and best of all, affordable. In fact, it’s the cheapest convertible on the market!

But, the Wrangler TJ has had some problems with its clutch—and seeing as the last TJ rolled off the line in 2006, they’re getting up there in years, too. Chances are, you’ll have to replace your TJ’s clutch sooner than later, so we’ve put together this quick reference guide with everything you need to know about Jeep Wrangler TJ clutch replacement.

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How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Jeep TJ?

The cost of replacing your Jeep TJ’s clutch varies depending on how old your Jeep is, how much the average mechanic charges for labor in your area, and how much the replacement parts cost.

If you’re taking your TJ to a mechanic, you can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $1,600–$1,700 for parts and labor. You’ll likely pay more for labor if you take your TJ to a Jeep dealership, but you can rest assured that the work is being done by a certified Jeep technician. If you know a knowledgeable and trustworthy independent mechanic, you will probably pay less for the installation.

But, if you plan on doing the work yourself, you could pay much less. A

Jeep Wrangler TJ clutch kit

costs between $146.63 and $437.03, depending on the year of your TJ, and whether your model has the 147-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or the 190-horsepower 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder motor. You’ll save some money, but it isn’t a simple job.

What is a clutch?

The clutch is a critical piece of a vehicle’s powertrain. It is found on both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, but clutch problems are generally only an issue for drivers with manual transmissions.

The clutch transfers power from the engine to your transmission’s gearbox and disconnects the two when your vehicle changes gears.

As the flywheel turns, the clutch plate is pressed against it, transferring the engine’s power to the transmission that powers the vehicle’s wheels. Pressing the clutch pedal down with your foot causes the clutch plate to lift off the flywheel, cutting off torque to the transmission. This moment of disengagement allows you to change gears. When you take your foot off the pedal, the clutch plate is pushed against the flywheel by springs, spinning at the same speed as the flywheel.

This interactive three-pedal system is what drives Jeep TJ enthusiasts wild. But, all that friction causes a lot of wear and tear on the clutch plate, and clutch failure is pretty much inevitable after enough time.

When that happens, you might experience clutch-related problems like:

Clutch slip

Master or slave cylinders

leaks and defects

Clutch cable

stretching/breaking

Deteriorating clutch release bearings

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What are the symptoms of a Jeep TJ clutch problem?

There are several symptoms of clutch problems to watch out for.

Poor acceleration. If your Jeep TJ seems to accelerate slowly despite your engine revving at a high RPM, it may mean that your clutch plate isn’t properly engaging with the flywheel.

Grinding gears. Hearing or feeling your gears grind when shifting could be the result of a

leaky slave cylinder

Loose clutch pedal. If your clutch pedal depresses very easily to the floor, it may mean there’s a problem somewhere in your clutch assembly.

Stiff pedal. Likewise, if your pedal takes too much effort to depress, or if it sticks down, you might want to have a mechanic look at your clutch.

Noises. If you hear strange squeaking or squealing noises when you shift gears, it could be a sign of a bad transmission.

Difficulty shifting into gear. If you’re having a tough time getting your TJ into gear, that’s a sign of a faulty transmission.

Burning smell. Metal-on-metal friction is common with a failing transmission and can cause a burning smell to occur. So, if you smell burning, it may be the smell of a transmission on its last legs.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is good practice to get your Wrangler TJ to a Jeep dealer or mechanic quickly. Jeep technicians are trained to pinpoint any possible clutch issues your TJ may be experiencing.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

Driving with a bad clutch is not safe.

While a failing clutch may make your daily commute a little more annoying, it can deteriorate quickly and become a broken clutch, with which you can’t drive at all. If you want to avoid being stuck in traffic or stranded on the side of the highway, it is best to have your failing clutch fixed ASAP.

How long should a Jeep TJ clutch last?

In general, a new clutch should last you about 100,000 miles, but that’s not a hard rule. Some clutches have been known to last longer than their estimated lifespan, while others can fail much sooner.

The Jeep Wrangler TJ is outfitted with a three-piece clutch assembly, featuring a master cylinder that pushes against the slave cylinder which engages the throw-out bearing which then pushes against the clutch plate. Both the master and slave cylinders are prone to leaks, which are often the source of clutch issues on the Jeep TJ. Luckily

these repairs aren’t super costly

The throw-out bearing is also a major site of clutch failure on the Jeep TJ. A bad throw-out bearing will cause grinding, rattling, or strange noises. You’ll want to address this issue quickly. If it’s left too long the bearing and clutch plate can wear through resulting in a pretty large repair bill.

Jeep TJ clutch recalls

The 2006 Jeep TJ has been the subject of two recalls pertaining to its clutch assembly.

One was for a broken clutch ignition interlock spring. Essentially, in order to start a Jeep TJ you must press down on the clutch pedal. However, if the ignition interlock spring is broken, you may not be able to start your TJ, or worse, you may still be able to start your Jeep without the clutch pedal engaged, causing the vehicle to lurch forward suddenly.

The other recall was for a clutch linkage failure. This is regarding a linkage rod connecting to the clutch assembly’s master cylinder. If this rod breaks, it may prevent the clutch from being disengaged when the driver presses down on the clutch pedal.

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