What is the easy way to change clutch?

I have been under the car and try to plan the easy/less time consuming way to do this. do i have to take down the cradle or is it enough to just take the rear side of the cradle ?
or is a magic way to do this ?

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FieroGeneral

You have it basically figured out. Remove the left strut and hub assy. and tip the crable back. You can then pull the trans to the left and change the clutch. Tip it back far enough and you can pull the trans out the left side.
I swaped my 5sp back to the 4sp doing it this way.

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 11-01-2007).]

usually a good idea to pull the driver side FRONT cradle bolt.

I supported the engine from the top side and dropped the cradle. There was just enough room to remove the transmission with the engine in place. I have a write up of the swap in the articles section of fierofocus.com (http://www.fierofocus.com/articles/0302%20Clutch%20Replacement.htm)

Think about what else you might want to replace while you have it apart...engine mounts, struts, bushings, etc and cleaning...lots of cleaning!

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86 GT 5-speed, 88 Coupe Auto
Webmaster, NIFE
www.fierofocus.com

If you have an 88 you have to drop both sides. I did this a few years ago and did just the rear bolts. You need a floor jack and if I had two it would have been better. What engine? I have the 2.5. Watch the intake as it gets REAL close to the trunk. I took the TBI off. Ed Parks has the method for both 88's and pre 88's on his web site. Go to the Fiero Factory.

Steve
Father of Project Manager of
MSU Formula SAE Team

GO STATE RACING!

[This message has been edited by solotwo (edited 11-01-2007).]

We do something no one else does and it goes super easy. We pull the engine out of the top. We have done this more time than we can count(not just for clutch reasons). Never did it with a V-6 but bet it still works. You will need an engine leveler on the engine hoist.

quote Originally posted by Dodgerunner: You have it basically figured out. Remove the left strut and hub assy. and tip the crable back. You can then pull the trans to the left and change the clutch. Tip it back far enough and you can pull the trans out the left side. I swaped my 5sp back to the 4sp doing it this way.

Ditto.. changed my tranny this way as well.. lifted the rear...unbolt both struts..remove rear cradle bolts.. dropped it down.. by doing it this way..you won't have to drain anything at all....

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'86 Fastback SE 5 spd -'94 HD Electra Glide Cassic -'99 Chevy K-1500 Z-71

I just pulled my 5spd. Getrag last weekend. My car's an '87 GT w/solid aluminum cradle mounts. I considered the full cradle drop, the cradle drop from the rear only, and ended up supporting the engine from the top w/ 4"x4" beam across shock towers and a threaded rod "hook" attached to motor lift point. Removed both sides suspension w/axles, dropped cradle, supported under motor w/floor jack, and pulled transmission. Had little clearance for removal. Had to remove shift cable brackets to clear left inner fender.
Haven't reinstalled yet. Got a feeling it will be a little more difficult doing it myself. Please be sure to support car with as many jackstands as you can. Don't get yourself "squished"!

quote Originally posted by The_Stickman2: We do something no one else does and it goes super easy. We pull the engine out of the top. We have done this more time than we can count(not just for clutch reasons). Never did it with a V-6 but bet it still works. You will need an engine leveler on the engine hoist.

Yeah but then you gotta pull the water pump housing off the side of the block before it'll clear everything on the way out. This is the method I use though, I've done it with the "help" of the g/f in less than a day, counting her whining.

Thanks ppl for all the info.

Maby i need to say that i have a 88 GT

solotwo, the fiero factory site was like gold gold.

The clutch and breakes are coming from USA tomorrow. damn norwegian toll that desided they wantet to hold the item`s for a day.
Anyhow, im going to take the cradle bolts out and stuff , today så everything is ready

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FieroGeneral

edited

[This message has been edited by FieroGeneral (edited 11-02-2007).]

Tomorrow I will be pulling the transmission on my V6 5 speed to perform a transmission swap. I also have to do exhaust studs on the V6 on my car.

My process will be to completely remove the engine, set it down on the ground so that I can do a full transmission swap on the ground, and replace all of the motor mounts at that time.

Since you have the 88, you may do better by supporting the engine on an adjustable cross bar, so that you can raise and lower the engine a few inches either direction.

Then, when you remove the cradle, all you have to do is lower the engine 3 inches, and remove the transmission. Install the new clutch, reinstall transmission.

quote Originally posted by KurtAKX: Yeah but then you gotta pull the water pump housing off the side of the block before it'll clear everything on the way out. This is the method I use though, I've done it with the "help" of the g/f in less than a day, counting her whining.

Yup and then you have the engine out and it is so easy to change the clutch. No having to contort ones self to get into the engine compartment.

well i have taken the rear cradle down, and dismount the gearbox. The car have been driven in salt så every bolt are a b**ch to take out.

But what distubed me, it is oil where the gearbox meet the presureplate.. i havent taken off the presureplate yet, but if its oil on the cluth... that will explain the bad clutch problem, right ?
Why is it oil there and how can i fix it ?

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FieroGeneral

quote Originally posted by FieroGeneral: What is the easy way to change clutch? FieroGeneral

Every Single reply missed your question and answered it wrong!!!!

The easy way to change a clutch is Sign the CC slip!!!!!

All these yah-whos answered the question you did not ask, What is the easy way for me to change my clutch!!

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If I remember, they have a 1 pc main rear oil seal. You can replace it while the clutch is out.

BUT, the easiest way Ive found is taking it to the shop where the guy needs his fender bender fixed and swapping labor.

quote Originally posted by Kento: Every Single reply missed your question and answered it wrong!!!! The easy way to change a clutch is Sign the CC slip!!!!! All these yah-whos answered the question you did not ask, What is the easy way for me to change my clutch!! Sorry but opening up my wallet and forking out that much cash for someone else to change a $120 part is NOT easy

well, i found the problem...i think.
The bearing sleeve in the gearbox was broken in half.

Is it a easy way to remove the rest from the clutch side...or do i need to get dirty with the gearbox ?

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FieroGeneral