Would you recommend me doing my own clutch?

[Dude]

Hey guys. My clutch is starting to go and ive been meaning to replace it for a while now. I got a hold of a used clutch in really good condition and I want to put it in. I took it to the local bmw shop that I know of and they said I had to call ahead of time so i couldnt drop it off today. I know its gonna be around 5-600 bucks and I was gonna have them look at some other things too. Im thinking maybe I try my hand at the clutch and save myself some money and get the learning experience.

Ive swapped my diff, replaced my guibo, and installed all new shocks and springs. I have a pretty good ability with working with this stuff, my major downfall is ive only been working on actual cars for less then a year and everything is kind of new to me.

My question is is this something I can do in my driveway some basic tools and elbow grease on jackstands? or should I get it done at the shop?

Anyone with anything to say please chime in

Thanks!

[lolcantturn]

Do it. I'll help you.

[KenC]

Accessing the bellhousing bolts is the most difficult part. As long as you have an alignment tool, it's pretty simple.

[Dude]

Accessing the bellhousing bolts is the most difficult part. As long as you have an alignment tool, it's pretty simple.

go on

[xwill112x]

dude you dont even need an alignment tool, just make sure that the puck is lined up with the input shaft and you're good. only way to learn is to jump in!

[Dude]

I guess just get it as high as safely possible on jack stands. Then do you have to like pull the tranny out?

[xwill112x]

yes. lol you have to pull the trans. just make sure not to let it hang on the input shaft

[Danny]

It would be easier yes.

And you'll have to take the fly off to get it resurfaced, so I hope you have a torque wrench.

[xwill112x]

you dont have to get the flywheel resurfaced, as long as it doesn't look scored or have any obvious issue's you should be fine. didn't do it to any of my e30's and my clutch's never slip.

[Dude]

I think i might need to get a new clutch. I have an 86 eta but the manufacture date is like 85/11. And i found some thread on e30tech saying its two different clutchs. Wtffff

[99em1]

The pre 86 ETA's had single mass, and 86-88 had dual mass flywheels. If you're in no rush just pull the tranny and it'll be obvious which you have.

And yeah you can definitely do it yourself. You just need someone to commiserate and have plenty of brews.

[ldsbeaker]

Yes, it can be done in a parking lot.
We didn't use jackstands, though. We lifted the wheels onto spare wheels laying flat, then put about 10.5" worth of 12"x12"x1.5" blocks under the driver's front wheel. It was perfect.
Break out ALL your extensions and u-joints for those tranny mounting bolts. They're reverse torx, so go buy the set. E10, E12, E13?
Bring all your best swear words, and get an alignment tool. Don't fucking cheap out. Just buy the damn tool. You can use wood to prevent the flywheel from turning if you decide to pull it off.
I can't remember if you have to remove the exhaust to pull the tranny in an e30, pretty sure you do. Start soaking the downpipe bolts NOW. PB Blaster, Kroil, whatever. Just do it.
Then get out your breaker bar, some extensions, and a 6pt socket and have at it. Make sure the socket is on the nut squarely, or else you WILL round one off. Have fun after that.
Better off using new hardware for those, you'll thank yourself later.

[99em1]

^^ Those top bolts are killer. Can't remember my exact setup because it was around 4 am but it was something like 20in 1/2 breaker, 18in 1/2 extension, 3/8 to 1/2 adapter, couple various length 3/8 extensions I had, 3/8 u joint, short 3/8 extender to the torx socket. Pretty sure there might have been a 1/2 u joint in there somewhere too.

Doesn't actually matter what the rig is, since I found it easier to just piece it together from the bolt outwards. Start by seating the torx socket on the bolt, best with a short extension so you can get just enough grip to seat it, then start piecing the necessary extensions/ujoints/adapters etc until you finally get enough to comfortably break it loose. Learned the hard way that trying to guide a floppy ass extension/ujoint contraption through anything is a sure and quick path to some serious hulk rage.

[rbhanks]

Get these

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00914019000P

And this autozone sales it. it can break loose ball joint tapers.

http://www.amazon.com/CRC-05222-Freeze-Off-Super-Penetrant/dp/B000KKCQUW

[scottinAZ]

di it yourself, but do another favor and just use a new clutch. They arent enough fun to do a second time when the used one shits itself in short order.