Easiest way to change clutch?

[Jolfa]

As title really, going to be tackling this in a couple of weeks so what's easiest? Engine out, tilt the engine up so the box is leaning down, leave the engine alone? Estimated time for 2 pairs of experienced hands?

[UrS4boy]

laproscopically through the tailpipe.

[macspring]

Pay a good mechanic.

[quattro-nick]

just take the gearbox out.
for a good mechanic and the right tools a 3-4h job

[caterpillar]

jepp.. the gearbox out.IF you dont have some isue with the engine, oile leak, or others...

[K Simmonds]

I always go for remove down pipe as it get's in the way and piss's me off, plus I don't like the idea of the box falling on it and the leverage damaging the turbo or EM. Disconnect/undo everything else required, pull box back and then down then back some more to give a 6"-8" gap and support it on bit's of wood, that's assuming your doing it on the deck if you have the use of a ramp use a gearbox jack/stand. Install clutch working in the gap, I avoid dropping the box completely as I'm used to doing the job by myself and it's a heavy lump to maneuver. Two of you will do it in a day easily with plenty of time for fag breaks etc, if you crack on it's a mornings work.

Oh, don't forget to disconnect the steering arms from the rack, they get in the way, you can also remove the snub mount and raise the front of the engine a little with a jack and block of wood or similar to protect the sump, I use a lump of Lead.

[martinws]

Don't forget clutch slave and diff lock lines. Been there, forgot that, cried a bit.

[K Simmonds]

No diff lock to worry about on a B3/4 quattro, but yes don't forget the clutch slave as well as reverse/speedo plugs, also the pro-con 10 bracket and cables if fitted.

[johne]

Depends on your facilities and if you have any help.

The gearbox is heavy and awkward if you're underneath it with the car only on ramps.

As you can remove the front bumper and cross member from the car if you support the engine from above you can disconnect everything and with the car on its wheels roll the car back leaving you with the engine out and easy access to replace the clutch and line it up.

Have done the job twice on my own I've gone the engine out route. You can also replace those engine hoses and oil pressure switch that are so hard to reach with the engine in place. There's no need to drain the oil if you don't want to.

If you search you'll find other posts on here debating the pros and cons.

John

[pixsaudisex2]

On the drive i found it better to remove the engine...

[quattrostyle]

I rather remove the engine as well on a B3/B4 with removable front. Gives you the opportunity to give it a good clean and clean the engine bay while it's out.

[Jolfa]

Got pretty much every tool at my disposal, lifts, cranes, stands, ramps etc I'm booked into a DIY garage, so path of least resistance! Is 6-8" enough to get at all the bolts?

[K Simmonds]

Yep, I find that's plenty of room, if there's two of you then it's not so bad moving the box and you can get it right out the way but really there's no need to apart from making it easier to get the clutch centered.