how long to change a clutch?

[Ian and Lins]

Slightly embarrassed 'cause the clutch has fried on the van and I am a bit proud of my mechanical sympathy. Then I realised that the last time it was replaced was well over ten years ago and gods knows how many miles in the UK and abroad. Anyway; can't replace it myself and will arrange a garage but what sort of time should it take to replace one?

[ChrisTriple]

2 to 3 hours I'd think, think it cost me about £250 2 years ago

[CovKid]

Try to find a garage thats done it before though or you might end up paying five hours labour because they didn't actually know how to do it (ie they took engine out). I can do it well under 40 mins but thats on my own vehicle and I'm used to it. Most garages - 2 hours at least.

Merc Doctor and I have a sort of unspoken competition on clutch changes. Think he does it in 25 mins and me in 36 mins but he's 10 years younger than me plus I like a cuppa halfway through.

If its ten years since yours was changed, you'd be advised to change input shaft needle bearing in centre of flywheel. Deffo a 2-3 hour job all round as that bearing can be a PIG to get out.

[Ian and Lins]

Thanks; and thanks Ralph about the needle bearing. My normal mechanic is semi-retiring and is renting his workshop to a mechanic who he trusts and so I do (pretty well) but it'll be the first time I've given him a job.

[Bubble Meister]

Can u explain how you're changed it in less than an hour? Do you patially remove the engine by dropping the banana beam?

[CJH]

I believe CovKid's technique is to pull the gearbox away a few inches to make room to access the clutch bolts. I'm curious how much room that makes though. Is there room to get a clutch plate alignment tool in there when fitting the new clutch? If so is there room to get a hammer behind the alignment tool as a possible means of removing the spigot bearing (pack it with grease and use hydraulic pressure to push it out)? I've read that's one way to get the bearing out in the absence of a puller.

[CovKid]

Spigot bearing no - box has to come right out for that and thats the only route I see for Ian unfortunately. Still, ten years on a clutch is good going. The way I do it is complete clutch change, then next time if bearing is still quiet and fingers on pressure plate in good nick, I'll only only change friction plate (about £40) - plus keep a record. Ian will need the whole thing.

[silverbullet]

"Banana beam"

We call it a "moustache bar" cos it looks like a handlebar 'tache!

Ich fahre einen Bulli. Ich hilfe mir selbst...meistens!