Removing clutch
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 6
From: Winchester Ontario
Removing clutch
How hard would it be to remove the clutch out of my 89 ZF6 car?
I understand it involves exhaust and transmission removal and the tranny is heavy as hell apparently.
Would I need to get the car on a hoist in order to drop and reinstall the tranny? Or would there be enough room with the car up on jack stands to remove and re-install the tranny?
I was quoted about 6 hours for clutch removal and re-install, but at $50 an hour (Canadian), if I can save $300 and do it myself with friends, I'm up for it.
Any suggestions and input please?
P.S. Yes, another centerforce dual friction clutch slipping with less than 30 000 kilometers on it. Go figure.
I understand it involves exhaust and transmission removal and the tranny is heavy as hell apparently.
Would I need to get the car on a hoist in order to drop and reinstall the tranny? Or would there be enough room with the car up on jack stands to remove and re-install the tranny?
I was quoted about 6 hours for clutch removal and re-install, but at $50 an hour (Canadian), if I can save $300 and do it myself with friends, I'm up for it.
Any suggestions and input please?
P.S. Yes, another centerforce dual friction clutch slipping with less than 30 000 kilometers on it. Go figure.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Removing clutch (black_89_vette)
6 hours is quick! And $50/hr is cheap labor! Standard here is usually $80+ per hour, american dollars.
ramps and jackstands will get the job done.. it's best to have the front on ramps and rear on jackstands. This will allow you to rotate the driveshaft to access all of the bolts on it.
Drop the exhaust in one piece and drag it out, you'll need a jack and some wood to support the motor before removing the C-beam. And for godssssake, get a tranny jack! I didn't and it was hell getting it back in.
Getting the tranny input shaft into the pilot bushing by hand was like threading the needle with a 200 lb piece of thread! :smash:
ramps and jackstands will get the job done.. it's best to have the front on ramps and rear on jackstands. This will allow you to rotate the driveshaft to access all of the bolts on it.
Drop the exhaust in one piece and drag it out, you'll need a jack and some wood to support the motor before removing the C-beam. And for godssssake, get a tranny jack! I didn't and it was hell getting it back in.
Getting the tranny input shaft into the pilot bushing by hand was like threading the needle with a 200 lb piece of thread! :smash:
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove Ca
Re: Removing clutch (CentralCoaster)
6 hours sounds about right but we charge 85US per hour. If you want to do it yourself some cautions. You'll have to jack up the car to get the transmission high enough to get out of the vehicle. Which means 4 jack stands that will go up to 18 inchs or more. You should use a transmission jack. I've seen people use floor jacks but a transmission jack will be a lot easier especially when your reinstalling the transmission. Of course air tools will help a whole lot.
As part of the job, , don't forget to resurface the flywheel, and check the rear main seal for leaks. Now would be the time to replace it if you have a one piece seal. What kind/brand of clutch are you using??
And for got sakes, becareful.
As part of the job, , don't forget to resurface the flywheel, and check the rear main seal for leaks. Now would be the time to replace it if you have a one piece seal. What kind/brand of clutch are you using??
And for got sakes, becareful.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Re: Removing clutch (TimBVette)
You should never resurface the dual mass flywheel. Go over it lightly with a scotch brite pad or something just to clean it off. If that does not do, it if the flywheel has gouges, you will need to replace it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Removing clutch (black_89_vette)
I'll ask, do you have a Helms Service Manual? It has a good checklist to follow and it details how to check your dual mass flywheel (play between the two masses).
Who's the guy that put the ZF in on his back with no tranny jack? :eek: Go out for the "World's Strongman Contest!" :yesnod:
Who's the guy that put the ZF in on his back with no tranny jack? :eek: Go out for the "World's Strongman Contest!" :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 6
From: Winchester Ontario
Re: Removing clutch (Strick)
Looks like I shoulda been a tad bit clearer.
It's an old style 350 block (2 piece seal?) turned into a 383.
I also have a DRM aluminum single mass flywheel.
Yeah, my buddy has air tools for his transport. I just wasnt' sure if jacks could get the car high enough to get the tranny out.
THanks for the replies guys.
****EDIT****
I am just going to remove the clutch and send it to Centerforce for their inspection as per my email to a tech rep. I have heard that they have good customer service. I do think it is a part failure and not from driving patterns. It started to slip bad all of a sudden with no prior slippage.
Here's hoping for a new clutch and/or good deal on another one. If they don't, it looks like I'll have to save up for a McLeod.
[Modified by black_89_vette, 1:48 PM 3/26/2004]
It's an old style 350 block (2 piece seal?) turned into a 383.
I also have a DRM aluminum single mass flywheel.
Yeah, my buddy has air tools for his transport. I just wasnt' sure if jacks could get the car high enough to get the tranny out.
THanks for the replies guys.
****EDIT****
I am just going to remove the clutch and send it to Centerforce for their inspection as per my email to a tech rep. I have heard that they have good customer service. I do think it is a part failure and not from driving patterns. It started to slip bad all of a sudden with no prior slippage.
Here's hoping for a new clutch and/or good deal on another one. If they don't, it looks like I'll have to save up for a McLeod.
[Modified by black_89_vette, 1:48 PM 3/26/2004]
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 523
Likes: 7
From: Austin,TX USA
Re: Removing clutch (black_89_vette)
difficulty is a relative term. Took me a lot longer than 6 hours but then again I did it over the course of a couple weeks while also doing a drive shaft balance & Ujoints, rear trans seal, driveshaft bushing, and tail shaft gasket, as well as converted to single mass. It can be done w/ jackstands, just get it high enough. You can also do it w/o buying a tranny jack. I put mine in by myself with just a floor jack. give yourself a lot more than 6 hours, just take your time and dont get frustrated.
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