I think I may treat myself to a new clutch and lighter flywheel soon, and I am curious as to the difficulty of installing both.

I would never ever consider it on a front wheel drive car, but I think I may want to try it on the Impreza.

Any comments ? Install time ? Difficulty ? Am I a goober for wanting to try it ?


THanks,

Matt

how technical are you? and do you have a transmission jack? or access to one? i did this with a friend on a late 80's nissan truck. not easy... well, let me say, getting it out was easy (except for that one bolt that took 4 hours). but putting it back together isn't. you have to line it all up correctly and stuff, while raising the tranny up there... just a warning is all. if you are good mechanically, you could probably do it, though... but let me tell ya, it's a lot otugher than a sway bar http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif

It's not easy, but it's not impossible either. If you do not have alternative transportation and are not confident that you can do it, don't try.

If you aren't willing to try this on a front wheel drive, then don't even think about it on an AWD. Imagine a FWD trannie with a third output shaft coming out the back.
When I fried my trannie on my AWD civic it took my mechanic 8 hours to replace it. Normally a FWD civic takes him about 2!
And be sure to get a mechanic who know Subbie trannies because they will bill you for the extra labor it takes because they aren't familiar with the work. Fortunately, my shop only charged me 4 hours, but then I've gone there for years(Plus I kick down six packs from time to time.)

Bah, if it's a qualified independent all they really need (or could greatly benefit from) is the clutch alignment tool.

I've changed clutches plenty of times but I would probably take mine in. I hate working under cars. Top side is fine, crawling around is not fine. I need to build a garage with a lift, that's what I need. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/biggrin.gif

Some searching of the board, and probably the old tech thread should bring up some posts on this. Perhaps Joel could offer some info, I think it was he who had some good experience with this, and perhaps simon as well?? I remember there being posts describing the procedures...

Chuck b.

Unfortunately my lenghty posts on my clutch install are gone from the archives http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/frown.gif

For a first time install plan on at least a full day of work. You really need the service manual because there are a lot of torque specs you will need.

Colin - you're a big chicken http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/biggrin.gif Get some good jack stands and some 4x4 lumber and you'll be fine. I don't typically use the lumber, but it is a good safeguard.

wac and I replaced my clutch and flywheel, and wac took pictures and made a web page about it. <a href=http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/clutch/clutch.html>http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/clutch/clutch.html</a>

-Edwin

http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/biggrin.gif

rao, at least the subaru 5 speed is light-- easier to move around and won't instantly kill you if it falls on you.

Helped a buddy put a C6 in a Mustang, never making that mistake again. It must have weighed 200-250lb.

I'm not a chicken, I'm a wimp. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/wink.gif

Edwin - very nice work - using the straps is a great idea - I just wrestled with it for a while.

Colin - good point - that's a very fine distinction http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif

robert - i can't claim sole credit for using he tie-down straps. Wayne was the originator, and I just bought them. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif

We learned a lot from the experience though. I hope those pictures help. We did do all of this on the side of the road on Saturday, too - I don't have a garage. So if we can do it, so can everyone else. http://www.i-club.com/ubb-files/smile.gif

-Edwin

Colin,
I gotta question your "Bah". If the independent deals w/four wheel drive then I agree, but I have heard more than one tale of shops that mostly do FWD struggling w/Subbies( and passing the cost onto the customer becuase of their frustration). It is just something to consider when choosing your shop.