Miata Mailing List: June 1996, Message #196
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   From: Jim Masterson 
Subject: Re: Clutch Replacement Imminent, Any Advice?
   Date: Tue, 4 Jun 1996 10:13:03 -0400

Tony Chapman wrote:
> 
> Ol' Socrates is due for a clutch change in the next few weeks, and I was
> wondering if the collective might of the 'Net had any pearly words of wisdom
> to impart.
> 
> I have a copy of a Mazda Workshop Manual (US Version, but viewing it via a
> mirror should work!).  It goes into a lot of detail about removing the PPF
> and not loosing spacers here and making special removal tools etc.  Is this
> necessary?

The PPF does not need to be removed entirely.  The bolts to the transmission
need to be removed as well as the aft bolt on the differential.  The front 
bolt on the differential need to be loosened.  This will allow the PPF to 
swing far enough out to drop the transmission, and will allow you to use the 
PPF for some support when you are inserting the transmission.

> 
> We will be re-surfacing the flywheel and replacing the thrust bearing and
> the pilot(?) bearing, anything else to look for?

An air impact gun is very handy in removing the Flywheel bolts.  Do not use it
to tighten anything. Use a Torque wrench.  You will also need a u-joint and 
about 20 inches (50cm) of extentions...  When you pickup your parts, find a
cheap plastic alignment tool that fits you clutch disk and your pilot bearing.
they are about $4(US). While your checking things out be sure to check for oil
on the flywheel surface. I had a leaking valve cover gasket that was probably
reason I had to work on the clutch.

> 
> This job will be done by an experienced engineer (friend) and someone who
> can read (me) in said friend's driveway on axle stands, so we won't have
> access to the latest and greatest in hi-tech tools.  This shouldn't cause
> too many problems?
> 
> Will replacing the clutch with a standard version be OK?  We have only done
> 14-16 thing, although a Voodoo knob will happen soon, and maybe a new brain.
> Don't seriously AutoX it, though do drive in a spirited fashion.
> 
> Thanks & regards,
> 
> Tony and Socrates (& Caro too!)
> Silver 90
> Chch, NZ


Jim Masterson