https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcWELyTbdP4
When it comes to do-it-yourself auto repair, YouTuber ChrisFix has come out with some phenomenal instructional videos over the years. His thorough breakdowns can make even the most daunting tasks seem doable. Like replacing a worn or old clutch, for example.
In this clutch replacement tutorial, ChrisFix shows you how to replace a clutch, throwout bearing (also known as a release bearing), flywheel, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and rear main seal. Yeah, it doesn't really get much more comprehensive than this.
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Per YouTube/Chris Fix:
My clutch was fine but my throwout bearing was bad so I decided to show how to replace all of the wear items while the transmission was off. This includes replacing the pilot bearing which the transmission input shaft goes into, the throwout bearing which engages the pressure plate via the clutch fork, the flywheel which I upgraded to an aluminum light weight flywheel, and finally the rear main seal because that is a common wear item which causes oil leaks in higher mileage motors.
With the transmission out, it is worth it to replace all of these parts now instead of having to do this all over again. Most clutch kits come with the throwout bearing and pilot bearing so you just need to buy a rear main seal.
Now, even after watching this DIY video a few times, you might find that replacing a clutch system isn't the simplest of projects, even with all the special tools. Of course, you could always have a more skilled mechanic -- who understands the ins and outs of how a clutch works -- do it for you. If you can afford to shell out a decent amount of cash, that is.
But, if you're looking for a cheaper way to get the job done and are willing to put the time in, a new clutch assembly project may end up doing you plenty of good in the long run.
This post was originally published on April 8, 2019.