Dmitry S.

I'm in the middle of my clutch job, and have tried almost all the combination of my ratchets, breaker bars, extensions, and different drives, and can't get the top bolt that attaches the bellhousing to the motor. Anybody remember what combination of wrenches/sockets they used? I've been under the car at least an hour and half trying to get this bolt loose.

David Floyd

I had to use a standard 3/8 drive ratchet and socket, put the handle horizontal and use a pipe (I used the jack handle to my engine hoist) to reach the ratchet handle and wack it with a 2 lb hammer.

AlexE

........and to add you can use a 3/8 drive with a pivoting head

Also the longer the pipe the more leverage.

pearldrum944

I believe I used a shallow socket and breaker bar. I also pushed the engine up a little to get a little more room for the socket to slide over the bolt.

KuHL 951

I ended up jacking up the passenger side of the engine a bit and used a shallow socket with a flex-head rachet and a piece if 1" pipe for leverage. What a crappy place to put a bolt.

FRporscheman

1/2 in drive craftsman breaker bar with a norma craftsman socket. I had to turn it about 20° at a time but it worked like a charm. The very first time I did this I used a 3/8 ratchet with some joints and extensions and it worked but not well.

944_S_TYPE

Gear wrench. The best tools ever invented.

Dmitry S.

Well, I have successfully rounded off the bolt. Now to find a 19mm bolt extractor with 1/2 drive - best get the snap-on catalog out.

r1moto

Ouch sorry to hear that. I would have recommended the circle end of a 19mm wrench from the top and turning it a bit at a time, but I guess I'm too late.

Dmitry S.

I'll try that out - I partially rounded it off, but it sure as hell won't work from the bottom. I can get wrenches in there, but I can't get enough torque. That thing is ON THERE. I can just imagine the mechanic who did the clutch last time tightening it as hard as he can to spite the next person in there.

944Ecology

I bought a set of ratcheting obstruction wrenches just for that one bolt. The wrenches are shaped like a large C and have enough clearance to get that bolt out in about 2 minutes.

gb

Serge944

$9.99 for set at JC Whitney! Definitely worth a try.

KuHL 951

Yes, you'll never get it from the bottom...I had the same issues with the sensors housing. Next time I do a clutch I'm pulling the engine forward on a cherry picker...been there done that.

Danno

Which bolt are you talking about? The top bolt on the driver's side or passenger? I think I loosened them both using the close angled end of a 19mm wrench from on top of the engine.

Dmitry S.

Yea, that seems to be the best angle of approach. Too bad the bolt is rounded off and the wrench keeps slipping off. My co-worker should come by tonight with a bolt-out.

Thanks for all your help guys.