Reattach trans to engine - quick question

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

I replaced the clutch as well as all associated parts - pp, rel bearing, fork, etc. I need to reattach the transmission to the engine in the morning.

My question is how do you know if you have properly hooked the fork to the release bearing? Can you see them when the trans is almost connected? Is there a secret to make it easy? Is there a way to test or verify it is properly attached? Am I making more of this than is necessary?

Thanks.

wowzer911 · 05-22-2009, 07:08 PM

It's a piece of cake, at least it was on my car. Just swing the fork at the right angle when inserting trans, you'll be able to see it.

Gogar · 05-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Are both the trans and the engine out of the car?

It's pretty easy when they are, you can look through the starter hole. If not, you can see through the little hole on the bottom of the trans. If you can get the trans lined up well with the studs on the engine in a way where you're not holding anything up or straining that will be really good.

Slide the trans onto the big long starter stud, and as it starts to go onto the slightly shorter stud on the bottom, look through the hole at the clutch fork. Get it at just the right angle where it will slide into the groove of the TO bearing as you keep nudging the transmission forward.

When you think you got it, look in the hole to make sure. Also, when it's right, the fork will move ever so slightly in either direction with a "tick, tick" noise. If the fork doesn't move at all, you probably missed.

barney911rs · barney911rs's Garage

I hate doing this. I've always found it easier to have a 2nd set of hands to help out.

Thrlls · 05-22-2009, 09:58 PM

As mentioned above, proper angle and looking through the starter hole helps.
Just don't forget the ring gear that goes around the FW...yes I am speaking from experience...

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

Thanks. Yes, the engine and trans are out of the car, and I already installed the ring gear - but thanks for the reminder. I did not bother to remove the starter from the trans when I separated, so when you say "look through the starter hole" I guess I may need to remove it to have that vantage. I think I understand the process. Going to give it a go in a few minutes.