How long does it take to change a clutch on a Ford S Max?
For a typical Ford S-Max with a manual transmission, you should expect about 4 to 8 hours of labor in a standard workshop. If the car has a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) or uses Ford’s Powershift automated manual transmission, the job can take longer—roughly 6 to 12 hours or more, depending on access and condition.
What affects clutch replacement time
Several factors influence how long the job takes, including the type of transmission, whether the flywheel is replaced, engine and transmission access, corrosion, and whether other related components must be replaced. The S-Max’s layout can make access more time-consuming than many compact cars.
The following ranges reflect common workshop estimates for different S-Max configurations and flywheel options:
- Manual transmission with a standard clutch (no DMF replacement): about 4–8 hours of labor.
- Manual transmission when a dual-mass flywheel or flywheel resurfacing/replacement is required: about 6–12 hours.
- Powershift/automatic variants (6-speed automated manual): about 8–14 hours or more; some jobs may require transmission removal, which increases duration.
- Additional complications (heavy corrosion, rusted bolts, leaks, or ancillary parts like slave cylinder or hydraulic lines): can add several hours to the job.
Actual times vary by shop, vehicle history, part availability, and the exact gearbox specification of your S-Max. Always obtain a detailed written estimate before work begins.
What to expect during the repair
The clutch replacement is a major repair that typically involves removing the transmission to access the clutch kit, inspecting and possibly replacing the dual-mass flywheel, replacing the clutch pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing, and related hydraulic components, and then reassembling and testing the system.
The following steps illustrate a typical workflow and how they influence duration:
- Preparation and diagnosis, including confirming symptoms and checking for additional issues.
- Safely lifting and supporting the vehicle, disconnecting components to access the transmission.
- Removing the transmission or transaxle to reach the clutch assembly.
- Replacing the clutch kit, DMF (if required), release bearing, and relevant seals or guides.
- Reinstalling the transmission, refilling fluids, and reconnecting hydraulic lines and electrical connections.
- Ground testing, adjusting hydraulics if needed, and a test drive to confirm proper operation.
Again, actual duration depends on the car’s condition, the gearbox type, and the workshop’s experience with the S-Max platform. It’s common for a manual clutch on an S-Max to be completed in a single long day, while more complex DMF or automatic clutch work can extend into two days in busy shops.
Summary
In summary, expect roughly 4–8 hours of labor for a straightforward manual clutch change on a Ford S-Max, about 6–12 hours if a dual-mass flywheel is involved, and 8–14 hours or more for Powershift automatic variants or scenarios requiring transmission work. The exact time depends on transmission type, flywheel condition, access, and any additional repairs uncovered during the job. Always check with your chosen workshop for a written, itemized estimate before authorizing work.
How much is a new clutch on a Ford S-Max?
Ford S-MAX Clutch Replacement cost
| Name | Independent garage estimate | Franchise dealer estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Ford S-MAX 2.5 2008 Part brands: Ford, LUK Parts costs: £424 - £509 Labour time: 5-6 hours | £693 - £766 | £999 - £1104 |
| Ford S-MAX 2.2 2008 Part brands: Ford, LUK Parts costs: £339 - £407 Labour time: 5-6 hours | £612 - £677 | £902 - £997 |
Is replacing a clutch a big job?
Replacing a worn clutch can be a significant job as it requires removing the gearbox to access the clutch assembly. The process can be complex, and it may require specialised tools and expertise to complete the task efficiently.
How much does it cost to replace a Ford clutch?
Ford Focus Clutch Replacement cost
| Name | Independent garage estimate |
|---|---|
| Ford Focus 2.0 2010 Part brands: FTE, Ford, LUK, Sachs Parts costs: £201 - £396 Labour time: 5-6 hours | £480 - £608 |
| Ford Focus 1.8 2010 Part brands: FTE, Ford, LUK, Transmech, Valeo Parts costs: £289 - £380 Labour time: 5-6 hours | £562 - £636 |
How many hours does a clutch replacement take?
Replacing a clutch can take anywhere from 4 to 10+ hours, depending on the vehicle and the mechanic's experience. For a professional with a lift and air tools, the job might take as little as 4 hours for simpler layouts, while a do-it-yourselfer or more complex vehicles like AWD or certain trucks can take 6 to 10 or more hours.
Factors that influence the time
- Vehicle type: The engine's layout (transverse vs. longitudinal) and drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD) significantly affect the time it takes.
- Mechanic experience: A professional with the right equipment can often complete the job much faster than a novice working on jack stands.
- Shop vs. DIY: A professional shop with a lift and specialized tools can work faster than someone doing it in their garage with basic tools.
- Additional work: Resurfacing or replacing the flywheel and replacing seals will add to the total time.
Examples of estimated times
- Toyota Corolla (Manual): 4-5 hours
- Ford Ranger PX (Diesel Manual): 8-10 hours
- Subaru WRX: 6-8 hours
- Mazda 3 (Manual): 5-7 hours
- Typical longitudinal engine: 4-6 hours
- AWD transverse engine: 8+ hours
