Repair cost guidesAUSTRALIAN REPAIR COST GUIDE

Head Gasket Replacement Cost in Australia

Head gasket work is labour-intensive and the final cost depends on why the gasket failed and what is found after the cylinder head is removed.

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Pricing data checked 28 August 2026. Guide reviewed 1 September 2026. How estimates work.

Vehicle-profile example

Head Gasket Replacement

2018 Toyota Corolla · Australia

$1,738–$5,504

Parts$676–$2,027

Labour9.66–19.32 hours

Example only. Choose your own vehicle profile for an adjusted range.

Signs to investigate

Persistent overheating
Coolant loss without an obvious external leak
White exhaust smoke after warm-up
Combustion gases in the cooling system or low compression

What changes the price?

Engine layout and cylinder count
Cylinder-head testing and machining
Gaskets, bolts, fluids and timing parts
Damage caused by overheating

Questions to ask the workshop

Which test confirmed the head gasket failure?
Are machining and pressure testing included?
Which fluids, bolts and timing parts will be renewed?
What happens if further damage is found after dismantling?

COMMON QUESTIONS

Understand the quote before agreeing

How much does head gasket replacement cost in Australia?

For the 2018 Toyota Corolla example shown, ShiftyMechanics estimates $1,738–$5,504. Exact parts and the workshop's actual labour rate can change the result.

Does the estimate include parts and labour?

Yes. ShiftyMechanics shows the parts range, labour hours, Australian independent-workshop hourly-rate range and estimated total separately.

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