ok, I am right in the midst of a clutch change on an 85 2.8. The Haynes manual talks about removing the pushrod for the clutch (to the pedal I think) or it will cause damage. Is this really necessary?? Not sure why anyone would push the clutch pedal down part way through the job.

Do you guys recommend changing the pilot bearing or bushing (I am not sure which it is)? I have heard some say it is usually fine and a PITA to get out so just leave it. Any comments??

Also, one other quick question. When you are guiding the tranny out do you have to support the engine at all? Will it want to lean back and put stress on the tranny shaft??

thanks.

I assume you're removing the tranny??

The pushrod that Haynes refers to, is the rod underneath that goes to the fork ( I think), nothing to do with the clutch pedal itself. But I'm only familiar with the Z-bar type, not the hydraulic one, so yours might be different.

Yes, replace the pilot bushing. They cost like 3 bucks or something. Since it's out, I'd also get the flywheel turned, new pressure plate, clutch disc and throwout bearing. If your luck is as bad as mine, you don't any replace any one of these parts, and that'll be the one to fail a couple months from now.

And it's a good idea to place a block of wood on a jack and place it under the oil pan for support. Keeps the engine from leaning backwards and busting your distributor cap.

Hope that helps.

You are correct, you dont have to remove the clutch rod, just DO NOT step on the clutch pedal while it is apart, the pilot bearing/bushing usually is not absolutely necessary to change out, unless it is killed! You would also need a puller to take it out.. Finally, if your original style exhaust is in good shape and fully intact, that usually holds the engine in place from tilting back too far, but as mentioned above, a jack underneath the oil pan with some wood to prevent denting it is good insurance.
Good Luck!

Is the pilot bearing hard to change?? How do you put it back in?? I fiigure for 10$ it is no great expense to ensure it will last many more years.

Also can you guys give me some detail on all the points I should be greasing.

And lastly, should lock-tite be used on the flywheel, pressure-plate, bell housing and transmission bolts??

thanks.

thanks for the help so far guys, much appreciated. Can anyone help out with these last few issues?? I am hoping to go at it again tomorrow.

thanks.

anyone??

I've always used a pilot bushing, not a bearing - although some prefer the bearing. Not too hard to change at all. I've never needed a tool to remove mine, but they do sell them. I just found a bolt a little bigger than the hole in the bushing, thread it in several threads and then I clamped vise-grips onto the bolt and tapped on the pliers w/a hammer till it backed right out. Worked for me...twice . There's also a way you can use grease to hydraulically remove it too. When you install the new one, use a little grease and make sure you tap it in straight!! Or else it will get stuck.
I've never used lock-tite on mine - just torque it to specs...

Good luck!

I don't use Loctite on anything. I don't think I even have any.

Tighten the bolts properly, and you don't need it.

thanks guys. I called about a pilot bearing today and what they had was a bushing (it is actually a copper bushing). Are you saying you can actually get a bearing also or do these cars just come with bushings (the V6's anyway)???

Will these little copper bushings last the life of the clutch?? or will they wear out faster?