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

[CupCrazy38]

Yea, I might do that. If I end up doing the work myself I'll make sure to take some pics and notes in the process and then summarize it once I'm done.

I'm gonna get a second estimate from another place, and then go talk to a guy that gives cops discounts and see what he'd want if I brought him all the parts.

More and more I'm wanting to do it myself simply to gain the experience and save money. But having it done right is the main priority and If I screwed up I'd be stuck. The hardest part is finding a time in the near future where my dad has off to help me. Could have got the parts today/tomorrow and started work friday, but my dad's got to go to court for some guy he arrested. So it'll take some planning... in the mean time I'm looking for cheaper parts and talking to a friend who's recently had his clutch replaced.

[Cody]

If you haven't yet, download the technical manual that was posted on here by someone...I looked at the clutch part, and it looks like you have to take the front axle out and everything. But I'd like to know how to do it, as I don't want to pay $700 to put a $100 part in.

[Kwanza]

Here's the jist of it...

Unbolt/disconnect all wires that connect to the tranny... there are a few... remove both front wheels, pull out hub pins, remove axles from hubs, be careful not to "break" axle... remove axle from tranny. Have something to hold up the tranny and engine, say jacks or engine lift... remove lower engine mount, and tranny mount on the driver's side. It's difficult to remove the bottom mount... cause you'll have to remove bottom crossmember. Remove bolts connecting tranny to engine. Carefully get the tranny out. Replace clutch, buff flywheel, replace throw out bearing, etc... now go backwards and put everything back together...

NOTE: It's not an easy job... expect taking an entire day to do the job correctly. My cousin and I managed to replace my clutch in about 6-7 hours, and he's certified and I am a very capable mechanic.

This post has been edited by Kwanza: Dec 10, 2003 - 11:49 PM

[blkGT]

You have to disconnect everything that is attached to the transmission. And then drop it. You also might have to get your flywheel machined if youve been riding with the bad clutch. So that could tack on another 60 bucks.

[CupCrazy38]

Well, got a second and third estimate.... another toyota dealer here said they'd do it for $800 flat. But, the guy that does all the work for the cops says he'll do it for just over $500.

Figure I'll just go with that. He's got the right tools and equipment to do the job, and I won't have to waste my time and be out in cold/rain/crappy weather.

Saving over $300 over the initial jaw dropping estimate...

[TRDracerGT]

Just bout a centerforce stage 1 clutch for about 300 dollares.. Friend who works at shop is putting it in for 100 bucks. Its good to have connections :0)

[Chrobis]

I got my clutch replaced for $280 + $60 for the flywheel machining. My toyota dealer wanted $1600 to do the clutch, and every other place I called wanted about $500-600. The place not only replaced the clutch, they made it soft and the gears slide in like a hot knife through butter!

You should just open the yellow pages and start calling several places, I did and not only saved $1200 over the dealer, about $300 over anywhere else I called.

[CupCrazy38]

well, if I go with the guy who does the work for the cops, I know the work will be done right, and if I have problems the guy will work with me. He does quality work, and doesn't take shortcuts.

I have a friend whose dad works for Honda.... he said his dad would ask some people he knows if they'll do it cheaper. Waiting on word from him. If not, I'll go to the guy with the $500 estimate. He can take the car monday morning and have it back to me that afternoon.

[Chrobis]

yeh the only problem with the shop I went to, it took like 2-3 days, which always sucks! Does the $500 include parts also?

[FallenHero]

there is a full clutch kit on ebay right now for about 100 is you are looking...

[CupCrazy38]

Thanks for the info.... but I took my car up to toyota today. I found a coupon for $100 of if you spend $700 or more, so that brings the cost down to $775 for the clutch and axle seal replacement.

My parents said they'll help me pay for it for christmas as well. So I guess it all works out. It gets done by toyota, so I won't have to worry if anything goes wrong

[ConeTrouble]

Hey CupCrazy38

I was wondering if you got around to doing this yourself or not... If so how tough was it?

I just bought a '94 GT and it came complete with a clutch engagement point that is so high that it doesn't catch until the pedal gets into the free play at the top of the throw. Clutch is definitely headed south. Aside from that and the brakes needing complete overhaul, the car is in fine shape. I would rather do the work myself, because I know if I am able to do it, that it will be done right. I am just not sure I have the tools necessary to get it done (basically, i am talking about air-impact wrenches and stuff... you know, the stuff the mechanic has and uses to bust nuts that have been lounging around with 'RoadGrime' and his buddy 'Rust', having beer and pretzels for the last 9 years...).

Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated. Hope it went well for ya.

Mark

EDIT: Nevermind... just read the post RIGHT above mine. Brain just never works before the second cup of coffee these days. Anyone done this and can comment on how possible it would be for two clutzes with a pretty good outlay of Craftsmans and an engine hoist?

This post has been edited by ConeTrouble: Dec 16, 2003 - 11:39 AM

[Kwanza]