Replacing a clutch on a vehicle can be a time-consuming job because of the parts that are removed during the repair. However, with a little direction and attention to detail, the job can easily be accomplished.
If you’re going to maintain your own vehicle, the clutch is a vital component in a car with a manual transmission. You should familiarise yourself with replacing the clutch since it may be done several times over the course of a vehicle’s life.
If you’re a beginner mechanic or just have questions about car clutches, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading for a beginner’s guide on how to change a car clutch.
What Does the Clutch Do?
A clutch is a device that is used to engage the engine to help in changing gears. This is performed when the clutch engages the flywheel on the end of the transmission. The released pressure that exists between the plate and flywheel allow free spinning, and as a result, gears can be shifted through the gear shifter.
Now that you’ve got some background and the duties the clutch performs you can better understand the part and how it works. Continue for a list of tools you’ll need to replace car clutches.
Tools for the Job
These tools may vary slightly based on the make and model of your vehicle. However, this list is a basic universal idea for most standard cars.
- 2 Floor-Jacks or a or lift
- A screwdriver (Philips and Flat-Head)
- Lubricant
- New flywheel and clutch
- Socket wrench
Gather your tools and prepare your jack. Get your vehicle to a level surface and prepare to begin your installation.
The Process
1. Set the Vehicle’s Parking Brake
After the vehicle is on level ground set the car’s emergency brake. Move the jack to the front of the vehicle and position it to the centre of the vehicle.
If you have a lift, even better. A lift has added benefits because the car can remain level during the process.
2. Removing the Transaxle of the Vehicle
Unhook the positive battery cables from the battery terminal. Move to the clutch cable and disconnect it also. You’ll also need to disconnect all the electrical hook-ups, as well as the speedometer cable.
Move to the starter and locate the motor. The starter motor needs to be disconnected during this process as well.
3. Unbolting the Engine Mount
The bell housing is located to the rear of the engine. Locate the point where these two components meet. Remove all the bolts fastening them together.
Pull the transaxle away from the car’s engine. Grab your second floor-jack and position it beneath the transmission. Raise the transmission carefully, then begin lowering it slightly.
Continue to slowly lower the jack, ensuring the transmission doesn’t slip from its position.
After removing the transmission, remove the drive axle and prop shaft of the vehicle. The pressure plate needs to be removed so you can access the clutch. After removing the pressure plate, you can slide the clutch disc out from its housing.
4. Putting in the New Clutch
Give all the visible components a good once over, making sure they are clean of dust and oil. Optionally, you can use an air compressor to blow away any debris.
Place the new clutch into the position where you removed the old one. After the car clutch is installed, you can replace the flywheel and reinsert the clutch disc. Bolt the pressure plates back on and replace the transaxle.
5. Reattaching the Transaxle and Transmission
Take your part with these next steps as they may be somewhat tricky. All the assembly points on the transaxle and transmission should be greased before replacing them.
Slowly align the transaxle with the spline hole. Gently nudge the transaxle forward to reattach it. This may take several tries, but you will get it. After the transaxle is aligned you can replace the housing bolts.
Slide the transmission back under the vehicle and position it where it was removed from earlier. Slowly jack the transmission up until all the bolt holes are aligned. Replace all the bolts and remove the jack.
Replace all the connecting wires and gear links back into their proper position.
6. Finishing the Job
After topping the car off with fresh clutch fluid you can reconnect the battery and speedometer cables.
Slowly lower the car from the jack or lift. Double check to ensure that everything is reconnected properly.
Take your vehicle for a short test drive. You’ll want to make sure the car clutch is working properly, and nothing needs to be reworked.
The clutch pedal may feel slightly off the first few times you engage it. This is normal and will cease after any extra air is released that may have been built up in the line.
Pay close attention to how the car feels, making sure the cars clutch shifts easy and smooth. You shouldn’t have to force the gear shifter to move to a higher or lower gear.
Listen for the sound of the clutch as well. If you notice any grinding noises, it could be an issue with the flywheel alignment or another component. The cars clutch should engage quietly and seamlessly.
Try to shift gears at an even keel. What we mean by this, is make sure you’re engaging the gas as close to the moment as you’re releasing the clutch as possible. This will ensure a longer life out of your new car clutch.
Installing your own car clutch can save you a considerable amount of money. There’s also a heightened sense of accomplishment from performing your own maintenance on your vehicle. When you handle all your car’s mechanical repairs, you know exactly what’s been put into the vehicle.
If you need to buy a car clutch online, check out Clutch Direct.
