Ok guys and girls,
this weekend i will starting my clutch install, can anyone lead me to some online walkthroughs, instructions, tips anything? has ANYONE done a clutch install, is it difficult could you offer tips or anything? i am a bit nervous and want some ease of mind......i have the helms manual! help!

 

IM me with some particular questions that you have. And dont worry, calm down and take a deep breath, it will al be OK

 

The only tip i can offer is make sure you have lots of time. It will take you much longer than you think it will because it is your first time. I also reccomend mechanic gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean. Also make sure you have the proper tools.

 

Like he said, definitely plan on leaving the whole weekend free. My first attempt at my clutch was 2 weeks ago, but I got stuck on some stuff and couldn't finish. Then did it with a friend of mine last weekend who had done it before and it went much smoother. ~6 hours.

One thing you should do before the day you do the clutch, or the first thing when you start, is to take off the passanger side wheel and disconnect the castle nut for the lower control arm. This is what screwed me over the first time. Get some Luquid Wrench, let it soak, put the nut back on upside down so you don't screw anything up, and have a big hammer. Give it a few good whacks on each side and it should come off good. Sometimes though, they're stubborn (like mine). A ball joint separator might help too.

Do you have a Helm's manual or know someone who does? That is always very very helpful. If you don't, I can take some pics of mine, but it will be probably be a little different. Could print out the Howto at http://www.c-speedracing.com/. It is pretty good, but you need to go to some different howtos for stuff on the axles.

Tools you should have (other than the standard stuff):
1) jack stands
2) a good jack or two (one for tranny, and probably need one for the engine)
3) 32mm socket (that's probably the size of the lock nut... need it to get the axle out)
4) a breaker bar (some nuts are a bitch)
5) tranny fluid (Honda MTF is probably the best you can get)
6) brake fluid (if your clutch fluid is low)
7) time and patience


[Modified by SeaDawg, 11:08 PM 8/26/2001]

 

I never took the axles off, just pulled them out the tranny and let em hang there.

BTW quick tip on getting the knuckle off the lca. take off teh steering arm then loosen the nut (don't take it off) for the upper arm (once the bolt is loose, hammer the round METAL and it will lower.) Then have someone hold the knuckle up while you hammer the lower arm *big round METAL again* and it should pop right out.

--reid

 

I put in new axles for the first time, my friend and I used a pickle fork and sledge hammer... not too hard. But the ball joint boots usually get damaged in the process.

 

Get the HELMS MANUAL>
EVIL

 

My main tip would be to have patience. This is definitely the most important aspect. If something stumps you then just do something to get your mind off of it (GT2 works great, inspirational thinking ) and then go back to it, and it will usually make sense.

Technical tips:
a) To loosen the spindle nut use your scissor jack to raise the ratchet while the wheels are on the ground or while a friend stands on the brakes, works great.
b)To get the passenger axle out of the differential use the biggest screwdriver you can find (note: the Helms specifies one with a 1/2" shaft) or more preferrably use a big cold chisel to pry that sucker out, might take a while.
c)to get the axles out of the steering knuckles use a penetrating lubricant (I used p blaster that I got at wal-mart) and then literally tap them out with great ease.
d)ball joints-if you have the extra cash ($170) get a ball joint remover-makes those things cake.
e)worm gear holder makes removeing the pp/flywheel a breeze as well.

If you run into any trouble feel free to IM me, I am glad to help .