How to - replace clutch.

[golfyste]

There is no messing about with fluid is there when replacing the clutch/flywheel is there?

You say about raising the engine up and having a support bar? Would that be something to 'suspend' the engine on, as in resting it on the frame and have it hanging?

No there isn't any messing with fluid that's what I was tryin to say haha as in make sure you don't disconnect the hose as then you would have to bless it you unbolt the oval like plate that bolts onto the box which holds hydraulic mech that pushes against the release bearing.

You don't have to raise the engine up, just support it with the jack and you don't 'need a support bar it's just peace of mine and easier.
And yes it's pretty much a bar that sits above the engine and rests on the frame of the car where the wings not on ( just gotta make sure you put some towels there as to not scratch anything) and once it is there you can put ratchets straps around it etc.
You can make then yourself pretty easy bu just using a bit of uni strut and some clamps.
(this is what they look like) http://www.google.co.uk/m/products/catalog?q=engine+support+bar&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17022947243791601127&near=Birmingham,%20UK&sa=X&ei=4eRfT8vOIsyGhQeU_sXVBw&ved=0CDsQ8wIwAA

[Big Tone]

I don't think that is really the best right up as I did my clutch myself not so long ago and there is no need to remove the ball joint which would also mean you would need to get te tracking done.
It's not really a Complicated job just time consuming and you need the right tools (plus it comes in handy havin a mate to help you get te box on and off.

Just gotta make sure everything is disconnected from the box including all plugs, gear linkages, drive shafts, starter motor (its normjially useful to replace the long bolts that you remove to take the starter motor off as they you can leave one in untill you fully remove the box.
Also remove battery etc then just make sure there is a jack under the engine and you have a support bar and then just remove the mounts and box and just pull it off and drop it down (although you may have to lovwer the engine abit.

Then just remove the clutch and flywheel using the correct star pieces and replace it with the new one either using a clutch tool or by being very careful and making sure the clutch is centre and then just do the reverse.

Also make sure when you remove the slave cylinder don't disconnect the actually piping as then you will have to bleed the system.

Top man, helpful.

[golfyste]

No worries man 

[scarr89]

Gotcha, sweet. But if you were to replace the release bearing at the same time? Would that then require bleeding? As would it be sensible to replace the release bearing at the same time as clutch/fly/press plate?

[GunnerCP]

The release bearing just clips onto the clutch fork. Nothing more than that

[scarr89]

The release bearing just clips onto the clutch fork. Nothing more than that

OHHH, 

I am so tempted to have a crack at doing my own clutch, I have access to a ramp at work. Would this be a much better place to do it on? Any tips for rampin' it?

[golfyste]

As gunner said the release bearing Is just on the inside of the box clipped onto the release fork.
As for ramps etc I did my perfectly done on axle stands which I think would be easier as you need te wheel of to get the shafts off easier.