I’m working on my first clutch rebuild with my 2018 Ford Focus’s DPS6 dual-clutch transmission. YouTube has been a lifesaver, but this is definitely not a beginner project. Ford quoted me $6,000 for the rebuild, but I’m doing it myself for around $500 in parts, tools, and fluids. It’s taking a lot of patience and after-work hours, but at least I have a backup car!
I had mine done at a local shop for $3,072. They also replaced my rear main seal and passenger CV. Seems like I got a good deal compared to the dealership’s price.
Parker said:
I had mine done at a local shop for $3,072. They also replaced my rear main seal and passenger CV. Seems like I got a good deal compared to the dealership’s price.
That sounds fair for clutch and CV replacement! Was that in USD? My quote, once converted, came to around $3,500 USD.
@Hale
Yep, all in USD. The shop did a solid job, and it’s holding up well—I’m at 222k miles now with no issues since they fixed it at 189k.
If you have questions, feel free to ask. I’ve replaced over 1,000 of these clutches and forks.
Pacey said:
If you have questions, feel free to ask. I’ve replaced over 1,000 of these clutches and forks.
Wow, sounds like you’re an expert! Do you have any opinions on the quality of eBay or AliExpress kits for the A/B shift forks compared to Ford OEM parts? I’m curious if there’s any room to save on parts.
@Hale
I work as a transmission tech at a Ford dealership, so I only use Ford parts. Mechanically, there might not be a huge difference in quality, but the real issue is usually the design itself. The dust buildup and moisture can cause the forks to seize, not the forks’ fault directly. Just be sure to use the right type and amount of lubricant.
$500 for parts, tools, and fluids? Hopefully, you’re not using one of those eBay clutch kits.
Skyler said:
$500 for parts, tools, and fluids? Hopefully, you’re not using one of those eBay clutch kits.
I’m only changing the shift forks and axle seals. The clutch itself was replaced 40k miles ago and still works fine. Actuators are easy to swap if needed later. Also, I already had some tools (like an engine crane)—probably not typical for most home garages!
@Hale
For us Ford owners, engine cranes are just part of the toolkit, lol.
If you could, what would you say to the engineers behind the DPS6 design?
@Lux
My issue was with the clutch, not the TCM, and I’m outside the U.S. But nice to see Ford offering extended warranties on some parts.
Hale said:
@Lux
My issue was with the clutch, not the TCM, and I’m outside the U.S. But nice to see Ford offering extended warranties on some parts.
They’re actually covering the clutch in some cases too. I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t seen it online, since Ford never mailed me. They’ve had my car for a month now waiting on parts, but at least it’s free. I had a used transmission put in back in 2022 that cost me over $4k since I didn’t know better at the time.
@Lux
My car has a rebuilt title, so Ford basically told me they couldn’t help.
Riley said:
@Lux
My car has a rebuilt title, so Ford basically told me they couldn’t help.
That’s rough. My daughter’s car has a used transmission and a rebuilt motor, but they still honored it for us.
The only downside is the design is flawed. You’re just buying some time to sell it before it acts up again. But I respect the DIY approach—well done.
Did you only get a quote from the dealership? Dealerships often try to get you to trade up. Did you check with any independent shops? They might have quoted less than $6k.
River said:
Did you only get a quote from the dealership? Dealerships often try to get you to trade up. Did you check with any independent shops? They might have quoted less than $6k.
I’m in a small town, so options are pretty limited. Also, I like learning and trying things myself, so it’s kind of self-inflicted, haha.
@Hale
I have the MTX-75 5-speed manual, while yours is the DPS6, right? The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic?