how easy/difficult to change the clutch on my 96 xantia 1.8 petrol, will i need any special tools? do i need to disconnect any hydraulics apart from hyd pump? can i leave accumulator in situ?

cliff, January 2010

Its a big pig, like elliot Rodgers.

Ron Bullsh, February 2010

many thanx again to bob k for the info, have managed to get a haynes manual and yes both 1.8 and 2.0 petrol use the be3 gearbox i have got a valeo o.e replacement 3 piece clutch kit and drive shaft oil seals, have done clutches on vw, ford, vauxhall in the past am fairly confident i can tackle this my only concern is lining up the thrust bearing as i have heard many stories of it "dropping out" during re assembly, any tips?

cliff, January 2010

it has to be removed to gain access to the fixing bolts and it makes manovering the gearbox much simpler , first depressurise hydraulic system,then remove spring clip that holds the centre in, no need to remove any pipes off it, and pull centre out of reservoir [ its a bit tight but will come out] a tip is to cut the neck off a large plastic drinks bottle and place the centre inside, this stops L H M dripping everywhere then unbolt the reservoir and lift out if you intend reusing the L H M fluid simply leave in reservoir, if not pour into a container [L H M fluid should be changed every 2 years and the filters cleaned ] i'm pretty sure the 1.8 and the 2.0 use the same gearbox with the 1.6 having it's own and the diesels having there own to hope this helps

bob k, January 2010

many thanx to bob k for the info , y does the reservoir tank have to be removed? how do go about draining it before removal? also i have a 2.0 xantia with a almost new gearbox in it (rear end write off) wil it be any advantage to fit this to my 1.8 with the 15 inch alloys or is it not an option?

cliff, January 2010

no special tools required and not that difficult if your fairly good at diy done a couple on xantia diesels petrol set up more or less the same the accumalator can be unbolted and tied up to stop strain on the pipes but the fluid reservoir has to be removed, haynes manuals show all the procedures and will be the best 18 quid you will spend or get one from your local library

bob k, January 2010