Clutch replacement/front wheel drive

[Spork]

My clutch is starting to slip... and the mileage is appropriate for a replacement.  I've done a handful of clutches (literally could count them on one hand).  But they've always been rear wheel drive.

Does anyone have any gotchas/hints/cheats for clutch replacement on a front wheel drive car?  I've got a manual.  Are they going to be significantly different other than the obvious?

[sokoloff]

Largely the same, just more cramped because of the (typically) transverse mounting and you will have to remove CV half-shafts rather than the single driveshaft which IME comes out much easier.

I always change the rear main seal and any other oil seals for intermediate shafts that are only accessible where the transaxle is removed. I also replace the entire assembly (pressure plate and clutch disc at a minimum) and if there's evidence of heat scoring, discoloration, or grooves, I send the flywheel out to a machine shop.

Everything else will probably look very familiar to you. You will need air tools or a way to lock the engine to take the bolts off. You will probably need red loctite to put things back together.

I'm a die-hard DIYer, but I'd make a couple phone calls to local independent mechanics and see what they'd charge for a clutch job. In the same way that most brake service is wildly over-priced, I think most clutch replacements are under-priced for the effort and aggravation involved. Plus, you pretty much know that they'll get it done in one day. Armed with those bids, you can decide whether to farm it out or not and if you do tackle it, you'll know exactly how much you're saving when you bust your knuckle trying to get the flywheel off.

[Spork]

Yeah, I've gone back and forth with clutch replacements as well.  I've farmed out more than I've done.

I do have air tools and a bit of a dedicated shop space I can use.  And the handful of times I've done it, I've always replaced the whole thing: clutch disc/pressure plate/throw out/pilot bearing/flywheel resurface.  I think it costs about $20 around here for a flywheel resurface.  After pulling a transmission, 5-6 bolts to pull a flywheel seems like an easy decision.

I was hoping FWD might actually be easier... if nothing else lighter weight components and not having to jack a heavy transmission... but having never done it, that is just a wild guess.

[sokoloff]

It's lighter for sure, but much more cramped, so it's a tradeoff.

Also, the CV joints are more likely to have Allen, Torx, or XZN ("triple-square") bolts, so be sure you've done a little googling and YouTubing to see if there are any specialty tools that you should order.

[Spork]

It's lighter for sure, but much more cramped, so it's a tradeoff.

Also, the CV joints are more likely to have Allen, Torx, or XZN ("triple-square") bolts, so be sure you've done a little googling and YouTubing to see if there are any specialty tools that you should order.

LOL.  I had to google on the XZN... never heard of it.  So it's something like an inverted torx?

[sokoloff]

It's a 12-sided Allen (sort of). Really common on VW/Audi and actually a good system in terms of durability and not stripping, provided you use the right tools and clean the socket head before you insert the tool.

Try to take one off with an Allen and you're in for a world of hurt.

[Drifterrider]

I attempted once.  ONCE.

I found it to be much more work and much harder than a RWD.  Now, I farm it out.

[gimp]

Depending on your car, you may need to drop the trans. Not fun at all for fwd. You're going to need tranny fluid, you're going to need CV axle seals (technically they are not a wear / consumable item, but realistically, you tend to destroy these when pulling the half-shafts out of the transmission.)

[Car Jack]

2 things can make your life much easier.  1 is youtube where you might find someone who has posted a vid or series of vids that show how to do this.  Watch them for info or to decide "I'm not doing that".  With the caveat that even a video maker might do it wrong or at least not the easiest way.
)
2 is a car forum dedicated to the car you're working on.  I've seen everything from Fusions to Ferraris with walk throughs on how to do complicated stuff.  I sold a Subaru and when the timing belt was due, he did a complete write up with pictures, what not to do (vice grip to hold the cam pulleys......break), and tips he found along the way.

It's always easier if you have a backup vehicle.  I always find that when something big needs to be done, something happens that prevents the job from being completed quickly.  (It's Sunday and you break something that's 75 cents but a dealer-only part)