Clutch Replacement

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by JayG

FYI, the Sachs clutch kit I bought came with an alignment tool.

I bought the same kit you mentioned. You must be a preferred customer because I had to buy the alignment tool separate from Pelican. Couldn't even find the tool on their website.

I have the clutch back together and most everything else has been torqued back in place, just need to bolt the mufflers and plastic body shield to finish the job.

Having never done any kind of clutch replacement before I would still rate it as a fairly easy DIY, but it does take some time and organization of parts because of all the peices you have to take off.

No sweat for a Hobbyist as you have a 2nd car and in no particular hurry.

I think I only cussed once when I rolled into a pile of clutch dust and blackend myself with it. I should have taken a picture of my face as well. You know how things itch at the worst possible moment. I looked like a Comanche in full war paint.

I was wondering if there is any kind of break-in required for a new clutch before I resume with spirited driving shifting again?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jb92563

I was wondering if there is any kind of break-in required for a new clutch before I resume with spirited driving shifting again?

Drive it for about 50 miles or so, looking for noises, proper engagement, shifting, etc. If everything is fine, feel free to beat the snot out of it...........

[JayG]

Originally Posted by jb92563

I bought the same kit you mentioned. You must be a preferred customer because I had to buy the alignment tool separate from Pelican. Couldn't even find the tool on their website.

I have the clutch back together and most everything else has been torqued back in place, just need to bolt the mufflers and plastic body shield to finish the job.

Having never done any kind of clutch replacement before I would still rate it as a fairly easy DIY, but it does take some time and organization of parts because of all the peices you have to take off.

No sweat for a Hobbyist as you have a 2nd car and in no particular hurry.

I think I only cussed once when I rolled into a pile of clutch dust and blackend myself with it. I should have taken a picture of my face as well. You know how things itch at the worst possible moment. I looked like a Comanche in full war paint.

I was wondering if there is any kind of break-in required for a new clutch before I resume with spirited driving shifting again?

I didn't buy it from Pelican.
I bought it from FCP Euro $326
They matched Rock Auto price and had better shipping

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by JayG

I didn't buy it from Pelican.
I bought it from FCP Euro $326
They matched Rock Auto price and had better shipping

Ah, I got my clutch kit from Rock Auto, hence the difference.

[jb92563]

Just to wrap this thread up nicely, I have driven it 60+ miles now and the new clutch is awesome.

The old one used to have a bit of a stutter when shifting from 1st to 2nd under heavy acceleration and that is completely gone now.

The shifts are very positive, smooth and crisp now. Better than when I first got it ~30k miles ago.

As a side benefit I also eliminated the occasional starter squeal, because while I had the transmission out I pulled the starter gear out a bit and squirted lithium grease behind the starter gear.

Another benefit was that I was able to positively identify the IMS being of the 2 row bearing variety by identifying the IMS retainer casting model as shown in the thread.

In summary it was an easy DIY if your not in hurry. If you are in a DIY hurry you could probably get it done in a day with your home tools and Jack stands.
Even faster your second time around.