Changing a clutch in a DSM, nothing new here!

[TheBlackKnight]

OH, the saga continues...Power Components (St.Cloud) resurfaced the flywheel, and since I had them do that figured they could try to press the axle out....nope.

So I took the whole spindle/axle to another shop with a small hope that THEY will be able to get it out. IF not, well, looks like I will be buying another spindle/hub and the axle (Of course planned on the axle already).

That, and I go to get the 3 bolts we broke from the suspension and Fastenal doesn't stock metric size....biotches. UGH.

Gotta loooooovvvveeee these cars.

[TheBlackKnight]

Well low and F'n behold the shop got the axle pressed out! :) Of course after the all the heating and force the wheel bearing/hub isn't exactly in the best shape, so chalk up another $100 to the final bill.

So, a new axle ($60 w/tax) and hub/wheelbearing ($100 w/tax) are ready to go back on the car with the rest of the suspension tonight and we *should* have it done tonight! I hope the old hub assembly comes out alright. :cross fingers: :)

[TheBlackKnight]

*UPDATE*

Change clutch= FINISHED :)

Poured the Pennzoil Synchromesh in today, bled the slave cylinder (Wow, there was some nasty fluid in there), adjusted the pedal, cranked the car over and TaDA!!! The bitch shifts like SILK. All gears grab nicely, and no problems.

Man does it feel good to get done. Now to baby it for 500 or so miles..ehh. :)

Cost rundown:

1 Exedy clutch from ebay shipped= $109
1 New Axle= $60
1 New Hub/Bearing assembly= $100
3 quarts Pennzoil Synchromesh= $19
1 quart Mobil 1 Gear Oil (Transfer case) $8
1 tube of Loc-tite= $5
Pressing the axle out= $35
Resurface the flywheel= $27
Brake Fluid (already had it) =$0

Total Cost= $363

[unreal808]

Good job, now in a year when you burn out that clutch you will have the experience to put in a ACT or South Bend.J/K

[TheBlackKnight]

Good job, now in a year when you burn out that clutch you will have the experience to put in a ACT or South Bend.J/K

IF I was going to go with a higher performance clutch, it wouldn't be ACT man. :) To many horror stories with those. But the way I figure, I won't be racing this car more than 3-4 times this year, and HP probably won't go over 275, so for now this will do just fine. After all, the STOCK clutch went 145k on spirited driving untill now heheh. :P

[95tsi]

Good job!!!!

[unreal808]

How would you rate the viscosity of the Pennzoil Synchromesh?
Is it more like gear lube or thinner like ATF? I ask because I’m not a fan of some of the other lubes on the market available for our transmissions.

[TheBlackKnight]

A big props to 95TSi for the assistance through the ordeal, he was good help.

And concerning the viscosity of the Synchromesh, ijt appeared to be a little thicker than the mobil one I used. I have heard nothing but good things about it, and even after like 25 miles, I can tell it shifts better.

[dsm95gsxer]

I had the same problem with one of my axel shafts getting stuck in the wheel bearing. My roomate saved the day and he brought home a tool that puts pressure on the tip of the axel and is secured to the wheel bearing via lug nuts, it worked pretty slick. I'm going to be starting on my clutch soon and I can't wait to go through some of the same stuff you have. Props on the clutch.

[Wizard]

Just to let the info out, Shep recc. Penzoil Synchromesh not BG. And it's cheaper and available locally at AutoZone.

Wiz