How much does it cost to replace a clutch bearing?

The cost of replacing a clutch release bearing (also commonly called a release bearing or thrust bearing) mainly consists of two parts, but the most painful part is often not the cost of the part itself, but the expensive labor costs.

Here's a breakdown of the repair costs:

1. Cost of the part itself

Bearing unit price:  Looking at the clutch bearing itself, it's actually not expensive. It's just a metal ring bearing, a regular consumable part.
Quality differences: There will be some price difference between original parts and parts from major manufacturers, but this difference is generally a small percentage of the total cost.

2. The major cost: Labor

Complex disassembly and assembly: This is the "main culprit" of the repair cost. Because the clutch bearing is located deep within the gap between the engine and the transmission.
Time-consuming and labor-intensive: The mechanic needs to remove the entire transmission to access this bearing. This disassembly and assembly process can take half a day or even a full day, and the labor cost is usually several times, or even ten times, the price of the part.

3. Why do people often buy the "complete set"?

Package replacement is more cost-effective: When you ask a repair shop for a price, they usually quote a price for a "clutch three-piece set" (including the clutch bearing, clutch disc, and pressure plate).
Avoiding repeated disassembly: Since the transmission has already been disassembled and the labor cost has been incurred, most car owners choose to replace other worn parts at the same time. If you only replace the bearing this time, and the clutch disc wears out in two months, you'll have to pay another few thousand dollars in labor costs to disassemble the transmission again.

4. Different car models, vastly different prices

Drive type: Generally, the transmission of rear-wheel-drive cars is relatively easier to disassemble; while many front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive cars have cramped engine compartments, making disassembly more difficult and naturally increasing the cost.
High-end brands: Luxury brands or some complex imported cars, due to the premium price of parts and the complicated repair procedures, will have significantly higher overall costs than ordinary family cars.