FIrst time CLUTCH Install - Hot Tips needed, I've searched on here as well

[lbrowne]

Hey Folks,

first off the archives provided some good information.

Now I'm starting this thread incase I've missed some good pointers that were buried in threads that my searches never hit on.

I know to jack the car in the rear with jackstands, that the front dosen't need to be raised.

I'll drain the transmission fluid and the hydrualic clutch fluid.

remove shifter in side, then take off all bolts on the bellhousing

Disconnect the driveshaft at the diff end - then it slides out

Any quick hints and tips you can give that you don't think I've stumbled across in my searching would be much appreciated.

*keep in mind that...

I'VE NEVER DONE A CLUTCH INSTALL BEFORE

you help is appreciated!

thanks,

lbrowne

ps : getting an oem clutch kit from NAPA that has the release bearing, pressure plate and clutch.

[dreamsOfSkylines]

When you pull the transmission you have to rotate it clockwise quite a bit before it will come off. The upper bellhousing bolts are a pain in the *** to get to, good luck.

[lbrowne]

clockwise when looking at the transmission what way?

from the back of the car forward....so turn it towards the passenger side?

[eddiec]

just finished up a clutch install this past weekend.

jack the car up front and back. its a plus to have an extra jack to raise the front even more to slide the transmission out. even better to have a transmission jack.

on my s13 i unbolted the drive shaft in the middle leaving it bolted to the diff. and pulling out the front half of the shaft. doing this will allow the fluid to drain. disconnect all electrical connections. also the starter has to go.

with enough extensions and a universal joint the top 2 or three bolts on the bell housing are not too bad. key is to remove the transmission mount and allow it to lower slightly so you can get to the bolts easier.

as far as rotating it a little, if your under the car facing the rear, turn it counter-clockwise so the starter housing clears the firewall.

i'd suggest since you will have it all apart to have the flywheel resurfaced and either rebuild or replace the slave cylinder.

for me i replaced the master and slave cylinders, eliminated the clutch dampner, installed a lightweight flywheel and upgraded to a better clutch. topped off with a short shifter and shifting has never been better.

[FortWorthS13]

I did mine in about 2 hours, the easiest way is jack the front and rear up, unbolt driveshaft leaving it in the transmission, loosen transmission mount and disconnect electrical connections, remove starter and remove bell housing bolts, with a buddy remove mount bolts and set down then slide out, no draining of fluids needed. rebuild slave cylinder. Install is the reverse and remember to bleed the clutch when done even if you dont do the slave. Easiest way that ive found.

[IceCold240]

I did mine in about 2 hours, the easiest way is jack the front and rear up, unbolt driveshaft leaving it in the transmission, loosen transmission mount and disconnect electrical connections, remove starter and remove bell housing bolts, with a buddy remove mount bolts and set down then slide out, no draining of fluids needed. rebuild slave cylinder. Install is the reverse and remember to bleed the clutch when done even if you dont do the slave. Easiest way that ive found.

You're removing engine mount bolts, is that to angle the engine so you can pull the transmission out easier?

[gabossie]

I assume he was talking about the transmission mount bolts. Loosen them, then remove starter and bellhousing bolts, then remove mount bolts.

[dreamsOfSkylines]

Won't you damage the rear oil seal on the transmission if you just leave the driveshaft in there hanging? Seems easier just to drain it if you ask me. I had a transmission jack but it wasn't much help since you HAVE TO ROTATE (clockwise looking from rear to front) and the clutch lever won't let you rotate it while its on the transmission jack.

[eddiec]

damage the seal? doubt it. but i wouldnt' leave it hanging either. just as easy to let it drain so you can change the fluid. but thats just me.

yeah transmission jacks and the lever dont mix.. the jack i have has a wide platform that i could rotate and turn the transmission and it wouldn't fall off.