Does anyone have a secret to removing the clutch on a 94 GTS without removing the bell housing bolts and moving the transmission back? Is there any way to pin the pressure plate in the preloaded position similar to the older style pressure plates.
The pressure plate bolts have been removed and the pressure plate is slid back but the clutch arm pivot will not disengage (approx 1/2"to go) and the flywheel teeth are hitting the inside of the bell housing.
Any hints tips or tricks appreciated
Thanks
Stan

 

Stan, I haven't taken the clutch out of a GTS, but, I've put several GTS clutches IN (PP, etc.) and they all went in like any other S4/GT. There's no difference between the GTS PP and the earlier single-disc PPs as far as doing the pre-load - it just takes a bigger lever to get the PP out so you can slip the spacers in.

It sounds to me like you've just got the assembly in a wacky position and its stuck. BTDT. The PP is probably at an angle.

Turn the PP bolts back in, load-up the PP, slide in the spacers and give it another go. I have had one occasion where I could not get the release arm off the ball-cup with the PP unbolted. So, I rebolted the PP, popped the arm off first, then unbolted the PP. Just watch your head...

 

Stan

It sounds like you havent used the shims prior to unbolting the pressure plate

YOU MUST USE THE SHIMS, and the best way to do that is while the PP is bolted to the flywheel. You can use a long screwdriver or a crowbar for further leverage to get larger shims in but you must put those in.

I made 3 shims out of one large washer (About 1.5" in diameter) I cut the washer into thirds with a pair of tin snips and viola, i had shims.

The arm will not move far enough to pull off the socket without the shims.

The very first time i removed the clutch on my old GT, i had to remove the engine before i finally got the damn pressure plate out.

 

stand underneath the clutch pack...wiggle the release arm vigorously for a few minutes...position you head immediately underneath the ring gear..then...remove hands from clutch pack...turn away..not looking up at the clutch....and then mutter something about the clutch never going to come out..and before you know it..you'll be waking up in intensive care with 15 stitches...and the clutch will be sitting on the floor of your shop when you get back

 

Well I read the flippin manual and it says to insert the shims and knock the pins into the pressure plate. I bolted the pp back into the flywheel. got a big *** crow bar and a helper and pulled the bar back to insert the shims. After the shims were inserted the lever arm came off the ball and we knocked the pins back into the pressure plate. The clutch dropped out after the pp was unbolted

Unfortunately a new disk is needed and we do not have one yet. The pilot bearing was replaced along with the throwout bearing. Hopefully the new disc will arrive on Saturday. Thanks for the responses, have a great Thanksgiving.

Stan

 

your welcome Stan