Hello everyone,

This is my first post to Scooby net, so go easy on me please!

I have got a 97 uk turbo that is in need of a new clutch, and I am thinking of having a go myself. Although I have not changed a clutch before I have worked on many of my previous cars myself and feel that I am a competent diy mechanic. I know this is a bit of a bitch of a job, but I'm willing to give it a go.

After reading some posts on the board it is apparent that you can't really get away without a transmission jack for this job. Does anybody know where I might be able to hire or borrow one in the Birmingham area?

Thanks a lot

Jody

 

It's a tough job to do on the floor, even harder to get back in.

To use a transmission jack, you'll need enough height on the car to get it under with the gearbox on?


Mike

 

I was thinking about using one of the floor jacks you can get, then you can then do it on axel stands. But after some thought I'm going to leave to the professionals anyway.

Thanks for you reply.

 

you can do it with trolley jacks.. but ideally you need a mate to help steady the box / help lift it back in.. the box is heavy but not mega but when you are under the car which is on axle stands there is not enough space to do anything other than lay and try and lift it so little leaverage hence needing a mate to help.. if however you have no mates............ that are willing to help then I wouldn't attempt it.. however doing the clutch by removing the engine you can do on your own, with a crane.

Simon

 

We find it is easier/quicker to remove the engine to change the clutch, but we (obviously) have all the kit, tools Etc to make it as easy as possible.


Mike.

 

Do not underestimate this job on your own (NO mate will want to help you...) on the floor with axle stands. I've done it 3 times this way.

A Draper transmission jack is a ball saver @ £50 or so (try ebay) but you need to get the whole car very high off the ground to drop the box and get it out from under.

You might want to call David at www.apiengines.com for a quote first.

Beware.

Graham

 

Did my clutch and flywheel a couple of weeks ago, I have access to a proper full height ramp and all the air tools..all I can say is that the box is bloody heavy and took all my strength to lift it from the floor to fit it back onto the engine (2 of us) I wouldnt like to do an impreza clutch on my back on the floor!

 

If you are using floor stands, you have to have a transmission jack. I secured the gearbox to the transmission jack using a strap. The TJ also gives you the possibility to adjust the angle of the gearbox, which saves a lot of hassle to get the engine and gearbox lined up.

I would have killed myself without it

 

I agree, all you need is a proper engine hoist, and some assorted tools.
Cars with aircon can be a bitch - as you either need to pull the inlet manifold, or have nifty sockets with them rotating joints to get to the bolts securing the pump.

But other than that, it's smooth sailing pulling the engine.

/J

 

Do not doubt the dangers of DIY on an impreza box working the way above and the way i have done it. You must use the right tools as much as you can.
Note the hmhaga's jack is a big/stable and the car is jacked-up horizontal; this is the best way!

getting it back in is the hardest part after getting it off the engine!!

Graham