Removing crossmember Options

[kgrande]

Hi all,

Almost in the middle of a clutch change. For me clutch changes are always a pain, best described as characterbuilding! The good thing is that I like to get to know my cars, so it's good in that respect.

Going ok so far, but a few hurdles along the way with a different car.


How do I remove the crossmember under the engine? The fwd gearbox mount won't move out of the way, tops out on the steering rack(I've got right hand drive if it makes a difference). Not keen on removing that, so looking at lifting the tranny out with the crossmember semi-attached to it. What's the proper way of doing this?


Discovered an oil leak somewhere behind the engine, but where? It's wet all the way from under the crossmember up to the underside of the manifold. What are the sources for leaks back here? Any hoses that may have come off or cracked? It's so cramped back there that it's hard to get familiar with everything.

All answers appreciated,

Kris

[jason]

yeah, clutch n flywheel change took me 6 hrs with a lift n a bunch of tools, as for oil back there, could be spilled or like he said some loose hoses, the hardest for me was actually putting the tranny back up into the car.. what a work out to get it lined up

[kgrande]

the hardest for me was actually putting the tranny back up into the car.. what a work out to get it lined up

I've just got it out, that's not what I need to hear right now! I guess tomorrow is going to be a hard day! Very impressed by your 6 hours, if I now can get mine back together in 8 I'll be laughing.

I struggled a bit wiggling it out as I brought it out with the driveshaft and the crossmember dangling loose. It worked, but a bit tight to get it out.
Eventually found some instructions to the crossmember out properly, which is to remove the rear mount from the tranny before removing the crossmember. Problem was that I couldn't loosen the bolts with the tools I could fit in the tight space.

Will look closer for the source of the leak tonight, easier now with the tranny out. Replacing the seals on the axles just in case that would be the one. Don't think that's it, but worth doing now I have easy access to it.