How to Replace a Car Clutch: Step by Step Guide

Clutch replacement is a long and time-consuming task that can take hours but it is still not impossible. The major part of the task is mechanic work well than replacing the major component. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours in the entire process. Before knowing about how to replace car clutch, you should know that clutch replacement is an important task to run the car smoothly for a longer time. Sometimes, there is no time to run to a mechanic when the clutch gets out, then you can easily replace the car clutch yourself.

A clutch is a mechanical device that is used to engage and disengage the engine to help in changing the gears by applying pressure to the flywheel. The released pressure from the pressure plate to the flywheel allows free spinning.

Clutch replacement comes with car maintenance tips and tools that support the driver. Car clutch kits are available which come with the instruction manuals and other important tools to maintain your car and those tools can also be used in performing other tasks like changing a car tire.

CAN I REPLACE MY OWN CLUTCH?

Yes! There is no need to go to a mechanic school to learn about changing a car clutch. This article will guide you on how to replace the clutch at home in a few easy steps.

HOW TO REPLACE A CLUTCH IN YOUR CAR?

Clutch replacement requires some tools and the right position of the car. Clutch replacement kits are available that contain all the major components of a car clutch. Beyond all, there are a few things that are required while replacing a car clutch such as:

A jack
A screwdriver
Lubricant
New flywheel
New clutch

These all are essential tools for the maintenance of your car. Once you get hands-on with all these things, it is easy to start the process. Here is the step-wise guide of clutch replacement.

STEP 1: PARK CAR IN A SECURE POSITION

The first step involves hi-jacking the car to raise the front part of the car. Park the car in the right position to make the process easy. Use hi-jack of excellent quality to uplift the car above the ground level. The transmission and engine of the car must be carried out by the hi-jack with stability.

STEP 2: GET THE TRANSAXLE READY TO REMOVE

The next step incorporates the removal of the transaxle to get to the car clutch. For this purpose, unhook the clutch cable and positive battery cables. Disconnect all the electrical connections and speedometer cable. Disconnect and remove the starter motor.

STEP 3: UNBOLT THE ENGINE MOUNT

Locate the bolts that connect the bell housing to the rear engine and remove all of them. Then remove the transaxle away from the engine. Lower the floor jack carefully and remove the car transmission by slightly raising the jack to support the car as well as to remove the transmission from the engine.

Remove the drive axle and prop shaft. To get to the car clutch, you need to remove the pressure plate and slide the clutch disc out. At this step, you can repair or replace the flywheel and remove the dirt and debris from the crankshaft.

STEP 4: REPLACE THE CLUTCH

Before replacing the car clutch, clean all the components to be free of oil, grease, and dirt. After replacing the flywheel, replace the car clutch with a newer one. Slide a new clutch disc and position it using the clutch alignment tool. After sliding the newer clutch disc, bolt on the pressure plate with bolts and replace the transaxle.

STEP 5: REATTACH THE TRANSAXLE

Now you are ready to refit the transmission but before fitting the transmission, assemble the new release bearing with a release lever and fitted with pre-greased pivot points. The tip is to align the transaxle in the spline hole and nuzzle the transaxle forward to reattach it until it glides completely. Don’t rush. Just take your time at this step and practice it a few times until or unless you succeed. Once the transaxle is aligned, now place back the bolts and tighten them properly.

At this step, take support of an additional transmission jack to secure all the pipes, wires, and gear selector linkage to the transmission.

STEP 6: RELEASE THE CAR JACK

After placing the transaxle back at its position and tightening the bolts, release the jack slowly. Hold the transmission and allow the car to lower down back to its original position. Connect the battery and top up the clutch fluid with fresh fluid. Reconnect the electrical plugs, vacuum lines, and speedometer.

Now is the time to hit the road again and test the replaced car clutch. Take a short drive to check that replaced clutch works completely fine.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A CLUTCH IN A CAR?

Car clutch replacement is not an expensive deal. You can even save an enormous amount of charges that a mechanic charges for clutch replacement by replacing the clutch yourself. Replacement of a car clutch is an awesome opportunity to learn something technical and car battery guidance . It is a big confidence booster and represents personal affiliation with your car knowing that you can focus on its damages and repair them at a time.

Most cars use a manual transmission and have a clutch replacement kit available that includes replacement parts and alignment tools. A car clutch kit costs between $150 and $500. Custom clutch replacement kits are also available that are expensive and range in thousands of dollars. You can have a rough idea from a professional car mechanic whenever you go for a used car repair in Baltimore MD .