# Replacing the clutch on a 2000 Subaru Outback wagon

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, clutches, subaru\
**Created:** [February 14, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330 "2011-02-14T17:38:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jmaine321](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e36b37/32.png) [@jmaine321](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jmaine321)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330/1 "2011-02-14T17:38:13Z")

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I’ve been bringing my Subaru to a local dealer for all its service. They seem fair and honest, but I’m probably overpaying. With 205,000 on the car, I shouldn’t be surprised that I need a new clutch. I didn’t expect it to be $1200, though! Is that unreasonable?

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**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330/2 "2011-02-14T17:49:24Z")

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The clutch job at an independent can run between $700-$1000 dependent on your local labor rates. This job is lots of labor and dealer is the highest rate out there.

I would definitely get a 2nd or 3rd quote.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330/3 "2011-02-14T18:14:19Z")

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You could get estimates from a couple of independent mechanics and see the difference.

I’d want someone familiar with the Subaru AWD system for this job.

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**Author:** ![msilveira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2bfe46/32.png) [@msilveira](https://community.cartalk.com/u/msilveira)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 7:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-the-clutch-on-a-2000-subaru-outback-wagon/61330/4 "2011-02-14T19:13:21Z")

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Jmaine3321,

So, what is the breakdown between parts, labor, and machine work?

Assuming that a new pressure plate, disc, throw-out bearing, (pilot bearing? not sure on this one.) and machined flywheel have been done. (Estimate about $350.00 for parts and outside machine shop) then that leaves about $900.00 for labor, at $120./per hour (estimating CA rates); then you are at about 7.5 hours of estimated labor. In “book rates” that sounds about right.

Sure, you could take it to a shop that may do it for $500 and re-use the pressure plate, skip the flywheel resurface, and ignore other items that may need to be changed out along the way for “good practice”-- but why? Why deal with the “return” and “rework” on something that is difficult to change-out and will prevent the car from being used when it fails.

While you’re at it, have them check the head-gaskets, too. They can fail on these cars and cause other more serious damage.

-Matt