Well, I borrowed a borescope and figured out that the throw out bearing came apart. I am NOT a happy camper. I figure that since I have to do all of the work of clutch job, I'd like to install a 968 bell housing to make future jobs much easier. Is this possible? Does anyone have a spare one? TIA

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...ht=CLUTCH+FORK

 

I think you have to swap in much of whats behind the engine, but not sure exactly what. I asked about this at some point, there is someone who can give you the details.

 

How will a 968 housing be easier.....the next time ? You still have to drop the trans, and pull the torgue tube back to get the drive shaft out of the bearing.

 

You atleast would have to also swap in a 968 torque tube, and most likely the dual mass flywheel etc. Don't think it is possible.

 

Look on the bright side....at least you know what the problem is !!

 

Sorry to hear of your problems Michelle. IMO, do it right, do it once and you won't be worrying about future jobs. Swapping in a 968 bellhousing requires the 968 TT at the very least plus other mods. Unless you think you'll be wearing out a new 951 clutch before 75K it doesn't make sense. Sounds like the retainer popped off the TOB and you aren't the first. At least when you get in there you can see if you need to replace the whole clutch or not. Do you know the history on the clutch, maybe it's fairly new?

 

It's new. I just rebuilt the blasted engine 1000 miles ago

 

The good news and the bad news. That retainer on the TOB is a ***** if not seated fully. When I do mine I ALWAYS spin it in the groove several times to make sure it's fully seated and put a couple dabs of JB weld on the edge for good measure. Small things like that always can come back to haunt you. Also make sure that all the shims you can physically fit are installed, if there is any front to rear slop it works on the retainer(circlip) over time.

My worst moment of stupidity was not covering the TDC hole and I dropped a sensor bolt into the void. Luckily I hadn't connected the TT yet and 'all' it required was removing the bellhousing, PP, clutch, FW again and there it was between the FW and block. Still it wasn't fun at all at the time and thankfully the sledgehammer was not in sight or I would have gone off. Take a deep breath and just go at it, as onerous as it might seem at the moment it's just brute labor.

 

Thanx Steve. I just need to do it. I think I've spent more time and labor trying to avoid it than the actual work itself!

 

The 968 housing has a removable access panel that lets you change the clutch without moving the TT.



To utilize a 968 bellhousing you will need to use a 968 flywheel (factory or aftermarket, but it must be 968 style). The 968 (all 16v 944 engines) flywheel has a different ECU trigger than the 8v, so it is impossible unless you get a standalone EMS.

 

Stand alone is in my future, but not yet. Oh well.