Gearbox removal tips

[sierragls]

ive had a look though old posts but cant really find the info i need.

Im going to replace my clutch on my 8v, ive got the haynes manuel but ive just got a few questions

the haynes manuel suggests taking the bumper headlights, from panel off for access, but is this necessary?

can the release bearing be replace with the box off, or can it only be got to by taking the 5th gear housing off?

do in need a clutch alignment tool as these have a reverse flywheel setup?

Do you have any other tips/suggestions that can make the job easier?


thanks in advance 

[Bellend]

1. Never done it myself
2. Once the box is off you can see it engine size, no need to remove anything.
3. Never heard of the term "revese flywheel set up" yes you need a clutch alignment tool.

Undo the splines on the CV's don't just pull them out. It's handy as oil doesn't leak everywhere.

Trolley jack can help with removal, I normally get it all out other than a bolt or two at the top then lift it and slide out onto the jack.

Careful fitting back so you don't bend clutch fingers and make sure the bearing doesn't fall of when fitting.

[VW BUSH]

Can be done without taking the front off just a bit more tricky putting it back on that's all.
Dont forget the starter motor it bolts to the chassis in one place

[Gavv8]

ive had a look though old posts but cant really find the info i need.

Im going to replace my clutch on my 8v, ive got the haynes manuel but ive just got a few questions

the haynes manuel suggests taking the bumper headlights, from panel off for access, but is this necessary?

can the release bearing be replace with the box off, or can it only be got to by taking the 5th gear housing off?

do in need a clutch alignment tool as these have a reverse flywheel setup?

Do you have any other tips/suggestions that can make the job easier?


thanks in advance 

Is that the fawlty towers edition....?..

[boneybradley]

easier access with the front end off (and there's not much to doing that) otherwise most people leave it in place

and reverse flywheel means normally where the clutch plate bolts to the flywheel on the 020 the flywheel bolts to the clutch (clutch bolts to the engine and the flywheel then goes over this)

oh and the release bearing is not with the clutch, that's located at the box side under the green cap

[Bellend]

easier access with the front end off (and there's not much to doing that) otherwise most people leave it in place

and reverse flywheel means normally where the clutch plate bolts to the flywheel on the 020 the flywheel bolts to the clutch (clutch bolts to the engine and the flywheel then goes over this)

oh and the release bearing is not with the clutch, that's located at the box side under the green cap

Whoops!

I'll be interested to see it all when I do one.

[sierragls]

Thanks for all the information, im hoping to do this week as its slipping quite a bit now, hope it goes smoothly 

[harlemex]

Some good advice above. I recommend undoing the lower balljoint and also tie rod end so that you can move the strut and driveshaft out the way for more clearance. It can be quite awkward manouvering the gearbox away as it gets a bit caught up in the subframe, but just perservere and you will get there.