Clutch and Rear Main Seal Install How-To Options

[bsamps4]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the 6gc world and would like everyone to know how grateful I am for websites like this that offer a wealth of information to consumers. Websites like these not only save you time, but a lot of money as well.

I recently purchased a 94 celica with the knowledge that it needs a new clutch. The car has 215,000 miles, but is still driveable. I can't really have much fun with the car yet due to the fact that the clutch slips in every gear at about 30% throttle. I'm interested to see if anyone would be interested in me making a "How-To" article on the installation of my clutch, rear main seal, and axle. I will need some insight from the senior members of this site ofcourse, but I would certaintly love to start out my celica experience with a bang, and offer some help to other members who may be interested in doing this themselves as well.

I do however have a few questions that I would like to propose for my own personal knowledge. Best transmission fluid? where? how much? Decent brand of axle? where? how much?

The clutch that I will be using is an Exedy stock style clutch which includes pressure plate, release bearing, and pilot bearing, and I will be resurfacing the flywheel NOT replacing. I want to keep my costs as low as possible because I will be swapping a 3sgte dual entry turbo motor into the car in months to come. I will be reusing my 5sfe tranny for the swap, but don't want to cause my current ageing motor to become overstressed, and break unexpectedly.

Let me know what you think, and thanks again!

[GriffGirl]

Replacing the clutch isn't an easy task - well, actually, it's not hard, per se, but it's labor intensive. I'm not sure if there's an actual "how to" on the site, but if you check the How-To section under Engine/Transmission/Maintenance, there is a link http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=34164 that has basic info.

When I had to replace my clutch, I actually used the Haynes manual; it's probably one of the few things that the manual was actually really great for. I would strongly advise getting both the Haynes and the Chilton manuals for your car, as sometimes they supplement each other well when one is missing details.

As for how you're going about it, you're already on the right path. I did the same, went with the Exedy OEM style clutch kit, which is key. You absolutely MUST replace the throwout bearing! So many people just opt for the clutch plate, and then wind up having to do the job twice. Lame.

Also, resurfacing your flywheel is totally acceptable if you're not replacing it, which in your case, unless it's just damaged to hell, is totally adequate for your purposes. Again, so many people skimp out on resurfacing the flywheel, which is just a lame thing to do and generally a BAD idea. The flywheel MUST MUST MUST be resurfaced.

I'm not sure what "brand" of axle is best, different people have differing opinions. If it were me, I'd probably just go to NAPA or possibly Autozone and get one. From what I understand, they're fine. But you might want to consider the opinion of others as well before making that decision.

Regarding transmission fluid, I cannot highly enough recommend using Penzoil Synchromesh. A lot of people on the site use it, and in my experience, it is hands-down the best fluid to use for our cars. Autozone carries it (NAPA does not, I don't think). It's a little more expensive than other brands, but I will absolutely attest that I have noticed the difference. When I did my clutch, I used it, but then I had an axle seal go out on me, so I had to drain and refill, but I couldn't get Synchromesh, so I used something else. The result was notchy shifting and just not as smooth transitions. Needless to say the first chance I had, I bought more Synchromesh, and drained it again and refilled it with the Synchromesh, thus restoring the smooth shifts and transitions back to my VERY aged transmission (265k miles and going strong!) Cost is about $8/bottle, you'll need 4-5 bottles IIRC.

Good luck! Oh, and yes, while you're in there, REPLACE THAT REAR MAIN SEAL! Just order that from Toyota, the difference in cost between Toyota and a parts store is negligible, and it's not worth getting an aftermarket brand in my opinion.