I got a 1996 GSR and I think I need a new clutch. I have ordered the parts and still deciding if I should get it put in by a shop or tackle the clutch job myself. I've never done this before and don't have much mechanical experience. The only experience I have is doing oil changes and I've recently changed my MTF. I've been to team-integra.net and got their DIY clutch job and some other DIY clutch articles and the helms manual. Should I go at it or is this too big of a job for me?

 

If you have the Helm, just get a friend to help you out, and DIY. Read over the procedure first to make sure you understand it all, and have the necessary parts and tools. You'll be fine.

 

make sure you got someone to help you, the tranny's pretty heavy and trying to mount it by yourself with just a jack is a pain in the butt, but with 2 people, shouldn't take more than a day for your 1st time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by all-mtr-teg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">make sure you got someone to help you, the tranny's pretty heavy and trying to mount it by yourself with just a jack is a pain in the butt, but with 2 people, shouldn't take more than a day for your 1st time. </TD></TR></TABLE>
That's totally key. I can do a D series clutch in about an hour alone. Getting the heavier B tranny in there though...it's a pain. But don't be surprised if this takes you an entire saturday your first time. There are tricks you learn along the way that make it a lot easier.

 

My first clutch job on my gsr took me and a buddy 6 hrs. 2nd time around, same car, same buddy, took us 2 1/2 hrs. You learn alot the first time around what works, and what doesn't

 

Very easy, to change the clutch, its pretty much removing everything in the way of getting the trans out... then just removing the old one and reinstallin the new...

should take you about 6 hours.. some people take long.. i know some people that could drop a trans in a half hour

 

Just make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. Have patience and don't plan on having it done for a whole day, like was said. That way when it takes all day, you won't be pissed.
Oh, and label all your bolts in different ziploc bags so you keep them all organized. Even though I can do it now with my eyes closed That helped me everytime I've taken my tranny off.

 

do it yourself its easy just have one of your friend help you out....why pay someone else when you can do it yourself.....

 

It took me quite awhile the first time but now Im sure I can do it much faster. Ive dropped the tranny a second time and put it back on by myself too, but id advise against that.

Youll learn a lot by attempting this but it can be a headache for the first try. Its not that hard though and youll save some money.

 

Alright I'm going to tackle this job tomorrow after work. Just need to get the rest of the tools. I can't seem to find a ball joint remover at my local canadian tire store. Does that tool go by any other name? Any other specific tools I need or tips you guys can give me?

 

You don't need that ball joint remover if you do not have it. Do it the old fashion way with a hammer.

1. Car in jackstands
2. take the wheels off
3. lossen the 14mm and the 17mm that connects the shock to the LCA, do not take off yet.
4. loosen the bolt on the botton of the Knuckle by the LCA.
5. put the nut at the end do not take it off. This will protect the thread from getting smashed.
6. put your factory jack under your brake disc with the crank handle facing front of your car and jack it up to produce some pressure. Just make sure that the shock is a little compressed..just a little.
7. hammer your LCA right on top of the nut and give it a few good wacks but becareful not to hit the remaing bolt and your shock should push the LCA down automatically.

That part is done,

you will need a 8mm punch/M8 bolt to take the shift linkage off the tranny.
remember the test fit the clutch on the input shaft before putting it on.
check if you have the correct pilot bearing by putting it on the IS first then try it on the flywheel.
Use a good grease on the IS and just lightly lub the area where the TOB will be and the back of the TOB not the front, grease the back of the Fork where it hinges on, Put a dab of grease on the crankshaft end where the Pilot bearing will sit.

When you put it back, you have to wiggle it like pudding and don't be afraid to use a bolt to guide the tranny in a bit. oh yeah grease the 2 pins on the tranny case.

if i continue this post will get too long just, so here is a link that will help you.
http://www.c-speedracing.com/h...h.php

 

So I started on the big clutch job a couple of days ago and ran into some problems.

First I couldn't get the 10mm bolt out from the wire harness clamp because it was too rusted or too tight. The thing was tight and kept twisting when I was trying to get it off. Worried that I would break it I just left it and went on.

Then I ran into a rounded off bolt on the A-pipe and got stuck for awhile figuring how to get it off.

Knowing it would only get harder later with the axles and dropping the tranny I realize this job is just too big for me and decided to take it to a shop to get it done properly and save myself the headache.

I guess that's the problem with working on an old car with a lot of rust. Just didn't realize it until I actually tried. I do like working on cars, learning, and doing things myself but I think I get some more experience or someone to help before tackling a clutch job myself again.