Stag clutch change

[tractorjames]

Been out in the car tonight and my slight whine of the clutch release bearing has turned into more of a roar/grinding noise!

For someone who has no lift or pit what method generally the easiest method of clutch repair - engine out or drop gearbox down????

Im swaying towards dropping the box to save having to borrow a crane etc.

Thanks,
James

[stagmuffin]

ramps up front and jack the rear and put on axle stands , some of the top bolts are a bit of a pig but all eventually doable . o/d box is a heavy lump when under the car in an awkward position trying to drop it so the use of a jack to lower it can help loads. just note the bolts you remove as two of them may be dowel type alignment bolts and should be reused in the same position to aid alignment. while out I would also check rear oil seal and replace if not recent and fit a double lipped seal . also check gearbox breather is clear before refitting .
Steve

[tractorjames]

ramps up front and jack the rear and put on axle stands , some of the top bolts are a bit of a pig but all eventually doable . o/d box is a heavy lump when under the car in an awkward position trying to drop it so the use of a jack to lower it can help loads. just note the bolts you remove as two of them may be dowel type alignment bolts and should be reused in the same position to aid alignment. while out I would also check rear oil seal and replace if not recent and fit a double lipped seal . also check gearbox breather is clear before refitting
Steve

Just the answer i was after

Thanks

[jleyton]

If you also remove the gearlever gaiter etc then there's a pretty big hole there through which you can feed a rope to loop round the back of the box which can help, especially if you've got an assistant.

Cheers

Julian

[tractorjames]

If you also remove the gearlever gaiter etc then there's a pretty big hole there through which you can feed a rope to loop round the back of the box which can help, especially if you've got an assistant.

Cheers

Julian

Never thought of that one.

Thanks again,
James

[tractorjames]

Got the box out today to reveal a very slack, noisy and notchy release bearing.

Im just going to put a new bearing in and leave the rest alone just so i can get it back on the road. I wouldnt normally do this but the engine is coming out this winter for some major surgery anyway, plus i have no money at the minute

The friction plate has done less than 10,000 according to the service history but i think it had a budget clutch job as the flywheel definitely will want skimming and the cover shows surface cracking.

Does anyone know the typical reason for a rattly clutch which goes quiet with the pedal pressed??? Im thinking it is just the slack in various components (ie release bearing carrier to gearbox nosecone, fork wear, fork to cross shaft, cross shaft to gearbox housing all of which have slight play detected.

Cheers, James

[Stagdad]

Thats a lot of old oil in that bell housing, If i were you i would at least look at a few new seals and gaskets as well as a new bearing.

Cheers Steve

[tractorjames]

Yes im going to take the flywheel off later its damn mucky and oily in there its even worse when you see it for real!

[Westfaling]

Check how loose the sleeve (that the release bearing mounts on) is on the fork/yoke. It's a likely spot for wear and rattle that will go away when the clutch is pressed.
The cross shaft cold also be loose in the bushings in the bellhousing.
Nick