clutch replacement

mattyturbo · Post by **mattyturbo** » March 28th, 2006, 12:06 am

How hard is it to change a clutch yourself without a car lift? How long does it take to complete?

How much harder is it to do compared to the following installs that I have done already?

Installed header and complete exhaust system.
Installed coilovers.
Installed new brake lines.

Bbasso · Post by **Bbasso** » March 28th, 2006, 12:15 am

Since it seems you have a clue about working on cars... I'll leave the simple stuff out.

But can you lift the tranny by yourself, kinda like bench-press it upwards?
I found it easier to lift it by hand then to use the jack to lift. (if using jackstands) If you have two people one lifts and one jacks it up from under the car. the guy under will have to slide it on / off the motor.

It will take a few hours if you have quick hands or air powered tools.
But give yourself the whole weekend to do it.
It's allways easier to have help from a friend.

I'd say doing a clutch is a bunch more complicated then the things you have done, but with the right book (Helms) and the right tools it can be done by one person in one days time.

BudMan · Post by **BudMan** » March 28th, 2006, 12:26 am

This may help to compliment Rob's opinion - which I agree with...

First time we switched the clutch in the R = 18 hours

Second time we pulled the tranny = 8 hours

Third time we pulled a tranny on an R by hand = 6 hours

Do you see a pattern?

Last time I had to do it myself & it took 4 hours. I don't think doing it without help the first time is going to be very enjoyable. However, it is next on your learning curve.

Enjoy!

btw - I saw someone use my hand tools & do the entire change in 4 hours while we sat there & drank beer watching a small guy amaze us all!!

Yoshimitshu · Post by **Yoshimitshu** » March 28th, 2006, 7:57 pm

BudMan wrote:This may help to compliment Rob's opinion - which I agree with...

First time we switched the clutch in the R = 18 hours

Second time we pulled the tranny = 8 hours

Third time we pulled a tranny on an R by hand = 6 hours

Do you see a pattern?

Last time I had to do it myself & it took 4 hours. I don't think doing it without help the first time is going to be very enjoyable. However, it is next on your learning curve.

Enjoy!

btw - I saw someone use my hand tools & do the entire change in 4 hours while we sat there & drank beer watching a small guy amaze us all!!

HAHAHAHAHHAHA wow.....simply stuning

importrepairguy · Post by **importrepairguy** » March 29th, 2006, 10:34 am

Good Luck and be carefull!!
Make sure you have the appropriate tools as well.
10-12-14-17-30mm and a 10mm 12 point (for the Pressure plate bolts) Sockets.
Also a pry bar is helpful for extracting the axles from the trans.
Make sure also you drain the trans fluid prior to removal or you'll be wearing it!

Use Jack stands (support vehicle) and a floor jack if nothing else to support the engine prior to removing the upper trans mount or the engine will literally fall over!
Also, be prepared to remove the flywheel and either replace or send it to a local machine shop for resurfacing. It can be quickly scuffed with a whiz wheel or bury hone wheel if in acceptable condition. This should be done prior to installing your new clutch. Also check your rear seal for oil seepage, replace if it appears to be weaping (need a seal puller tool or unbolt the complete crank end cap and remove w/ punch and hammer).
ALso need a torque wrench for the Pressure Plate bolts, seat them first then torque, 17-19 lb. ft. I think?
Good Luck.