So I replaced my clutch.....

[NutBucket]

The time came. The clutch in my 91 Accord was showing signs of wear at 130K. Unfortunately I didn't have the money to buy the motor for the swap so I had to replace the clutch. So I ordered the clutch from a dealer in Arizona (about 25% cheaper and no tax) and went over to my friend's house. He's a fairly accomplished mechanic who offered his services (saved me about $800 in labor). Originally we planned to take out the motor, his usual plan of attack. Last week, we decided to try it the "official" way; just pulling the trans. Mistake #1. What a pain the @ss that was to pull the trans. After spending 2 hours pulling the suspension, intake bits and other miscellaneous things we started lowering the trans only to find it was tight. So we pulled the front cross member. Trans out. So, lets get the flywheel machined and then get the new clutch on. Former, no problem. Latter, that's where the fun begins. I realize I left the throwout I ordered at home. So we hop in the car to go get it (20 mile trip). Then we go to get an alignment tool. After going to 3 stores and calling 4 others, including the dealer, the conclusion is reached that we can't get a tool unless we buy a complete clutch from Pep Boys. Fine. We go back to his place and "customize" one of the alignment tools he has. We get the clutch bolted on and aligned. Next step; replace throwout. Mistake #2. Seems I ordered the wrong throwout, unbeknownst to me of course. Now, we had to go find the right throwout. So, there's another hour. By this time its about 5 pm and we have all the parts. So everything can just be bolted back together, right? Sure, easy. If taking off the trans was difficult, then why would sticking it back on be any harder? Wrong! Balancing act while aligning the shaft etc. So finally its about 6:30 and we have the trans bolted on. Fast forward 3 hours and we have the engine compartment put back together. Thank god my alarm didn't freak out and the car started on the first try.

So what's the moral of the story? Make sure you have all the right parts and have plenty of patience. So, was all this effort worth the $800 in labor I saved. Well, seeing as how my back hurts, my Saturday has been completely used up and how much aggrivation I put myself through, I would say yes. I've never taken apart a car, let alone mine, to the degree I did today. Would I do it again? Prolly. Anyway, I'm completely spent.

 

[Evadman]

My suzuki sidekick is still in my garage waiting for me to swap out the clutch. Benn since january of 99. Wow. Kinda dusty. I have almost taken off the trans crossmember though! Woot!

It is 4 wheel drive, so I have the extra weight of the transfer case waiting for me. thanks for reminding me. I have to finish it soon, as someone needs it for a vehicle to drive. Maybe next day off.....

 

[Chaotic42]

I had a 2 day long adventure replacing my clutch.

Kind of like yours, except mine just kept failing. Over and over and over.

The problem? 175,000 miles on the same transmission fluid. 3 quarts of ATF degraded into an ounce or so of black paste. My uncle used to work on clutches in the military. He thought it was gear oil. Always check these things when buying a used car.

 

[gogeeta13]

I feel you on that Evadman; I have had to change my rear shocks and breaks for like 2 years and everyday I have off, i just dont feel like "working" on my car, so I just put it off. The parts are sitting in my garage and everyting too...

 

[CraigRT]

Nice job dude. at least you got it done!
that's $800 man.. that's enough money for months of going on on weekends.... i'd say it's worth it.

 

[notfred]

I wish my car was done. One side of the motor looks like this
and the other side looks like this

 

[NutBucket]

Heh, I'll have my next motor in pieces some day when I build it for a turbo. Until then, I don't plan on doing anything else to this motor beyond oil changes. By the time I need todo a timing belt I should have enough money to buy my new motor/trans and drop it into this car.

Chaotic: I have never changed the oil in my trans until today. Hondas use 5W-30 instead of gear oil/ATF. The stuff that came out of mine wasn't any blacker/thicker then oil I drain from my motor. I guess I should be grateful for that.

I will say this: Hondas are made for mechanics with small hands. Unfortunately, I don't fall into that category.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Heh, I'll have my next motor in pieces some day when I build it for a turbo. Until then, I don't plan on doing anything else to this motor beyond oil changes. By the time I need todo a timing belt I should have enough money to buy my new motor/trans and drop it into this car.

Chaotic: I have never changed the oil in my trans until today. Hondas use 5W-30 instead of gear oil/ATF. The stuff that came out of mine wasn't any blacker/thicker then oil I drain from my motor. I guess I should be grateful for that.

I will say this: Hondas are made for mechanics with small hands. Unfortunately, I don't fall into that category.

:Q

They do? Please tell me you didn't put 5W-30 into your automatic transmission. :Q

Edit: Er, duh.. the thread is about changing his clutch.

Do Hondas use 5W-30 in their manual transmissions?

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: NutBucket


Chaotic: I have never changed the oil in my trans until today. Hondas use 5W-30 instead of gear oil/ATF. The stuff that came out of mine wasn't any blacker/thicker then oil I drain from my motor. I guess I should be grateful for that.

Heh, my case was probably a combination of things. This happened about 1000 miles after I bought the car, so it wasn't too terrible. The fluid was it though. It made a terrible, terrible noise without it. Mine does use ATF though.

It's a Ford Festiva by the way

 

[Pliablemoose]

note to self: must order window part for Maxima berofe it rains again...