How to replace a Mazda 323 clutch?

Question

Hi,
The clutch has gone on my '89 Mazda 323 (old 80's model)

There's plenty of room on the flywheel side of engine and room to either lift it out or slide the tranny under the wheel arch...

But I'm stuck on how to remove the driveshafts

The manual for a Micra recommends taking off the steering ball joint, disconnecting the bolts to the bottom of the suspension strut and lowering the hub to pull the driveshafts out.

OK but trouble is firstly the ball joint is gonna be a pain to break the taper and also I'm worried about taking out the (rusty) bolts anywhere near the suspension coil spring

Does anyone know if there's an easier way?
How about just pulling the hub/brake disk off - won't that let get at the driveshaft to take it out??

The other thing is the manual said I had to do the same on the other side... WTF
If I can slide the gearbox sideways won't the other driveshaft fall out at the inboard end?

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks a lot,
Martin

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Basic clutch 101. Your going to replace the manual gear oil. so drain it first axles have c clips and just snap in and pry out two large screwdrivers.. Old 323's hub bearing disassembly should be avoided it requires press to reinstal rotors. So remove the caliper hang it with coat hanger. Remove the two strut to steering knuckle horizonal bolts or remove the ball joint by striking the side of where the tapered bolt is nut and cotter pin removed big hammer. That will let you snap out the axle from the transaxle. I just push axles away and let the axles hang down The trans axle is not very heavy I do not use a jack but you might find it easier to rent a trans jack the front of the car needs to be lifted chest high after the top bell housing bolts are removed and starter bolts are out. Use good jack stands be safe. About a one day job or two days with flywheel resurfacing and rear main bearing oil seal. Always surface flywheels and replace the oil seal. Very dirty and clutch dust is asbestos. Trans is pushed to the drivers side to clear the input shaft and lowered away. Buy good clutch kit with alignment tool or rent the alignment tool. A well aligned clutch disk makes going back in easier.

Answer 3

The only way to remove the drive shafts, is the way stated in your question. Don't worry about the coil spring, its held in place by the strut assembly your not taking that apart so the spring is not going anywhere..... Good luck, take your time and you'll be fine...