HOW TO Disconnect the Pull Clutch Bearing to separate the engine and gearbox easily

[Dom B]

Ok So you want to separate the gearbox and engine, you have all the bolts out but the gearbox seems to be stuck together and you can't see how to remove the clutch release bearing from the clutch????

Well plenty of people know how to do this but I see a lot of people writing about how they struggle to know what to do in the darkness of the clutch. When you see it in the daylight it is very easy.

I will start with a picture of the clutch already separated to show you what you are trying to achieve.

IMG_3271.jpg

The spring loaded retaining clip you can see above in the center of the clutch spring plate holds the thrust bearing in. What you are trying to achieve is to push this clip against the clutch as you pull the release bearing out. with the clip in it's normal sprung up position the bearing will be locked in. But depress the weak spring down against the clutch (towards the engine) and the bearing will be easy to pop out.

This is best done from underneath.
So either do whilst the engine is in the car or up on a crane or engine stand. You need to get your head under the gearbox to see up the inspection hole.

Firstly remove the clutch slave cylinder from the top of the gearbox.

The inspection hole has a round rubber plug at the bottom of the bell housing, pull this plug out.

Grab the clutch arm that the slave cylinder usually pushes and pull it Away from the engine towards the left hand side of the car. This compresses the bearing and retaining clip against the clutch.

Hold the arm there or have someone do it for you (the spring is very weak so it is easy)

Then with a long flat screwdriver and a torch from under the gearbox through the inspection hole, hold the spring clip against the clutch.

Now have your helper let go of the clutch lever and the bearing will come away from the clutch but the screwdriver is still holding the clip down against the clutch.

Either you or your helper now needs one swift tap of a rubber hammer this time towards the engine.

IMG_3269 copy.jpg

You will feel a clunk as the bearing pops out. It is now released and you can pull your gearbox with no problem at all.

[BubbaLeggyVR4]

Wow, easy to follow instructions Dom but one issue I see here...
I have an auto lol

[Dom B]

Wow, easy to follow instructions Dom but one issue I see here...
I have an auto lol

Lol, well I can't help you with that one just yet.

[TAR]

you can just unbolt the flywheel so it stays connected to the clutch when you split the box from the engine. That way you can release the clutch when its out of the car in the daylight.

[scott.mohekey]

you can just unbolt the flywheel so it stays connected to the clutch when you split the box from the engine. That way you can release the clutch when its out of the car in the daylight.

You should only do this if you're planning to have the flywheel balanced, as by separating the flywheel into its two parts (flex plate and friction surface/weight), you're putting it out of balance.

[Dom B]

you can just unbolt the flywheel so it stays connected to the clutch when you split the box from the engine. That way you can release the clutch when its out of the car in the daylight.

Unbolting the flywheel section through the inspection panel at the back takes a good 10 minutes of fiddling where as doing it the proper way takes literally seconds. Much easier.

[BubbaLeggyVR4]

It comes out eventually, lets jus ahree to disagree lol

[BubbaLeggyVR4]

Haha drunk much

[Dom B]

For those that are that way inclined I have a nice way to remove a wheel that you should enjoy. You undo the shock fork, top wishbone, bottom arm, radius arm and then pop the inner drive shaft joint off. Not forgetting to disconnect the brake pipe and abs sensor and steering rod end which instead of breaking the taper if you rotate the whole corner assembly 39 times should come off.