Hello, I have a Mazda speed3 2013 with 140,000 miles. Last week, my six-speed clutch failed. Towed to shop, they gave me an estimate of $5000 to replace. Ridiculous. Then, after telling them I don't have that kind of money, they came back with an estimate of $2,700 to actually grind the flywheel. and get my beloved car back on the road. Can anyone out there give me any kind of guidance? Really don't know much about mechanics but know I seriously love this car. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum


need to know about where you live..

I can state it is a easy none technical service but does take time. Its is booked in flat rate hourly basic 6.0-7.5 hours labor. min. So you would take that est time and find in your state or location what the current hourly shop rate is and multiply that. As for parts you can estimate parts that are offered from sellers but only use the MSRP not their discounted price. This will only give you a better estimate to at least figure if the service shop is somewhat in line with their estimated service to you.

NO ONE on a forum can give an absolute estimate without physically looking at your vehcle. All we can do is give you suggestion to determine what you should be getting in your ARAE fora service cost.

As an example... hourly shop rates in my state are average between 125- 175 per hour. Our rate in my exact location is 150 .

 

To the best of my knowledge, the Mazda Speed 3 ( MPS) runs a dual mass flywheel, which I don't think isn't able to be ground & should be replaced.

For $2700 I would be expecting either a new single piece or duel mass flywheel and clutch kit.

 

If it includes a new flywheel and clutch kit, it's not far off. Plus labor to split the transmission from the engine.

 

You do realize you can't go by Rock Auto or any retailer of auto parts when you are trying to estimate a service shop doing any kind of service.

This kind of posing by members on forum is what causes those that do not understand how a service department runs and makes a profit to stay in business.

Now if you were doing ALL the work and not using a shop then sure some parts retailer like Rock Auto are a savings in price but not always the least when you compare top name brand parts . Another point less made by members when they post their idea where to get parts for a service.

 

I sure do. But I also can tell what the parts will cost, of the quoted $2700. In this case about $1000US will get you a luk two part flywheel and luk clutch kit. . good information and I AGREED that the price, with labor was within reason. Your high and mighty response reminds me why I stay away from this forum. You sir, are a dick. I have also replaced the entire transmission and clutch in my 2013 CX-5 so have a sniff as to what is going on.

 

Yet you still return with less than the best information that tends to distract from reality globally on many subjects' vehicle, vehicle servicing, real world information, mechanical servicing experience level and specifically Mazda related in general. I get it and understand your methodology and logic based on most all your responses.
A person doing the work is MUCH different then quoting service rates and how long a service should be done and done correctly. As for prices again if you are doing the work then naturally you would hope a DIY would find the best price form an authorized retailer of a product and purchases from them? Get that term "Authorized"?
I do get entertained that you toss around Luk clutches as if they were the best. I have delt with Luk clutches and even was an authorized retailer of them for years. They have a few degrees of lines which are from a stock replacement to a full high-performance use clutch part. Are they the best for stock clutch not necessarily but very competitive in price and quality but not the best.

As for you claiming you did a complete transmission rebuild, I seriously doubt that because it takes a few expensive specialized tools as well you need access to a press. But again, I understand you claiming to have done all the work yourself.

As for name calling well you know derogatory is not really in line with the full terms of use on this forum I don't think you would call people those kind of names INRW . At least get away with it

 

Oh ... I failed to mention the polite thing to do when helping a member is to either look to see what country they reside in or ask them. In this case

USA

It helps when quoting cost of parts and labor rates.

 

Nowhere did i claim to do a complete transmission rebuild. I DID buy a new transmission from Mazda and get it installed though. I also never claimed to have done the work myself. I have no problem calling people what they are directly to their face.