'88 clutch instalation info

[underdogg]

I need directions for replacing clutch and maybe rear seal in '88 Festiva L. I am undergoing cancer treatment and have been unemployed since Aug so I can't afford to pay for manual. Please help

[festivaWES]

A manual is only 9 bucks. And it probably has more information in it that any of us can put down on the internet.


Remove battery/tray

Remove starter

Take off wheel center caps and bust of axel stake nuts with 28-32mm socket and 1/2" bar.

Further proceed to jack up vehicle ample hieght to remove trans from the bottom. Remove 2 17mm bolts holding on each side that holds the spindle to the strut, remove the tie rod from the spindle.

This will give you enough room to remove the axle from the spindle and tranny. Before you pull axles from the tranny drain the fluid. I find the easiest way to remove the axle is to give a good hard tug....some use slide hammers....some pickel forks or pry bar.

After this is done remove all the electrical connection from the engin harness that pertains to the transmission.

Support the engine either from up top with a make shift hoist or the bottom with a floor jack. You will be removing the front and rear trans mounts. But before that being said i would break loose the engine to tranny mating bolts should be 4-5 17mm, a 14mm and a 10mm i think. Remove clutch lever.

You may have to drop the engine/trans cross member a bit for clearance.

Providing you get trough all these steps the tranny will come out.

Replace clutch kit, resurface the flywheel.

Reinstall in reverse order.

[25Horseplay]

Underdogg if you add your location to your profile there might be someone in your area willing to give you a hand at the clutch job.

[elcamino1]

Wes why are you takeing out battery tray?

[mechanicaldj]

Wes why are you takeing out battery tray?

i found it easier to reach almost all of the bolts from the top with the battery tray removed and with the tray being fiberglass, prone to breaking and cracking .............why not remove it???? its only 3 bolts/nuts

[Levitan]

i found it easier to reach almost all of the bolts from the top with the battery tray removed and with the tray being fiberglass, prone to breaking and cracking .............why not remove it???? its only 3 bolts/nuts

Nice little bit of info to know.

[IdealSociety]

i believe last time i did a clutch job as well i removed the battery tray also.

not required, just gives you more room to work with.

[nonamekid]

I remove it as well since it makes it easier to see and to get to everything. If you live where there is rust, I would suggest spraying those three bolts with PB Blaster and let them soak before you take them out or more than likely they will break.

Oh and here is my writeup for replacing the transmission. It should help you when you remove your transmission to get to the clutch.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11144