Clutch replacement ( pull tranny or engine)

[Jsanchez11]

Hey guys my og clutch finally bit the dust after 220,000 miles of use. I will be replacing the clutch and flywheel this Friday just wondering if anyone has done this before and I will take any tips/recommendations.

Should I pull the tranny from under the car( I do not have a lift) or should I pull the engine. What would be a quicker more efficient way of replacing clutch. Lmk if u guys have any input. Thank u


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[WtA4WtQ5]

There used to be many DIY with pics years ago for this. I remember the engine staying and the trans being removed.
Had the clutch replaced in our B5 A4 and turned out the clutch was fine only slipping because the engine rear main seal was slightly leaking causing the clutch to slip.
Check and replace engine rear main seal if needed while you are there.

[Cybersombosis]

It can be done either way. An engine pull will require you to drain fluid and open up the exhaust at some point. You could use the old gaskets and reuse the coolant but can avoid all this if you pull from the bottom. For me, from the bottom is more logical and less work/expensive. There is a DIY on Pelican Parts that you can follow. I’ve done it both ways and prefer from underneath. Others will argue pull the engine. If you plan to pull from the bottom, the only issue you may have is the lower transmission bolts. Use a 16mm offset wrench to get to those. The others you can get to with a socket.

Follow the service manual for removal with dropping the subframe and it should pop right out. Pelican doesn’t mention this for a manual removal and when I did my auto tranny, there is no way it will come out without doing that. I’ve done multiple re and re’s on jack stands and an ATV jack. Good luck.

[Blazius]

I actually disagree by pulling the trans, because he doesnt have access to a lift. Its going to be a massive PITA removing the trans when the ground is blocking you.. You can pull the engine towards the front pretty easy, if you got an engine crane is easy peasy. If not get a chain lift thingie, and if you got a garage mount it on a crossbeam and then you literally roll the car out.

Having the engine out also allows you to get a good look at everything both the engine itself, engine bay, steering rack etc. The only 'bad' thing I can think about this is aligning the engine with the shaft on trans, gotta be a bit careful there. This is how I am planning to do mine even with limited space.

[Cybersombosis]

You still have to get under the car to unbolt the drive shaft so if you can get the car far enough up to get that far under, you have enough space to pop the tranny out. Like I said, everyone will argue. Pulling the engine may be easier but it’s more work and like you said, you need an engine hoist.

[GrapeBandit]

^Pulling the engine is not easier, or less time consuming.

You pull the trans alone. I'm able to get a b5 trans out by myself, with no lift, in 1hr45mins. Good luck!

[Akabetterthanu]

^Pulling the engine is not easier, or less time consuming.

You pull the trans alone. I'm able to get a b5 trans out by myself, with no lift, in 1hr45mins. Good luck!

Do you just drop it on your chest?


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[Blazius]

Do you just drop it on your chest?


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lmfao.


I would argue that pulling an engine is "easier" phyiscal work wise but more time ofcourse, again not wrestling a heavy trans with limited space. Idk I would just rather trade work for mostly standing up than laying on the floor :P

[GrapeBandit]

Do you just drop it on your chest?


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use your floor jack(more on this later) to put car on 4 jackstands as high as they can go.

remove all the bolts except for the bell housing bolts. now, take that trusty floor jack with a block of wood on it, and slide it under the transmission. remove bell housing bolts, lower trans. job done.

fucking genius right? all without dropping it on my chest!

[Rmr1499]

use your floor jack(more on this later) to put car on 4 jackstands as high as they can go.

remove all the bolts except for the bell housing bolts. now, take that trusty floor jack with a block of wood on it, and slide it under the transmission. remove bell housing bolts, lower trans. job done.

fucking genius right? all without dropping it on my chest!

++++++++ done it this way my whole life with every car


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