Replacing a clutch...., Easy to do yourself? Options

[CupCrazy38]

Well, was going to a friends house the other day and next thing I know... can't make it up this big arse hill.

Need a new clutch. Got it to the Toyota dealer... they asked me where the tow truck was that dropped it off, lol. Anyway, just got the car back a few weeks ago after it took 5 weeks to fix after I got hit.

The problem is, it's gonna cost me a crap load in labor to fix. After having to shell out $500 to fix "previous damage" that I was unaware of to have the car fixed (Insurance paid another $3,400), $875 to have a new clutch put in is a bit pricy for a college student to make while having to pay over $300 a month for full coverage on an ST.... ugh. Can't wait to have this thing paid off, but at this rate....

My ? is.... anyone ever replace their clutch? Is it hard? I've got a Haynes Repair Manual, while it's not the greatest thing, it is a start. I've worked on my parent's cars in the past, and have helped replace just about every component in my mom's car's engine (1985 190 E). The other cars were a 70 Chevelle, and an 84 Monte Carlo. How does the celica compare to those?

I've got my dad whose been fixing his own cars his whole life and fixed jets and helicopters in the marines for 21 years to help me as well, and there is a lift that I can use on base for free.

Toyota diagnosed the following:
Clutch- $69.64
Pressure Plate- $98.02
Throw Out Bearing- $44.04
Turn Flywheel & Rear main seal- $35

and on a side note, a left axle seal for $14.99

With labor they want $875 for it all.... to save over $500 I'm more than willing to take my time and learn how to do this....

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post....

This post has been edited by CupCrazy38: Dec 10, 2003 - 4:23 PM

[Inferno]

Hmm. I don't think it would be too tough for you if you have the experience that you say. Also, your dad seems to know his way around an engine. I don't think it would be a problem for the two of you to replace it. I don't have personal experience with it because I don't have my car yet, but, it doesn't seem that hard. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

On a side note, it would be sweet for you to take pictures of your cluth replacement and write up a how-to. I'm sure there are pleanty of people that would be interested in reading it (I would) and some that could learn from it. Some people might even be in your same shoes and think that it would be silly/stupid of them to ask. It would be awesome. Once again, good luck!

This post has been edited by Inferno: Dec 10, 2003 - 4:59 PM