(R.E)Having now done the work, the answer is no, there isnt room todo it in situ, but you can replace it without removing it completely, just loosen and remove the 6 bolts on the bellhousing ( support the engine), use two long bolts to hold the gearbox in possition, This will keep it lined up while allowing it to slide away from the engine, you need to also loosen the 3 rear mount bolts, and remove the 2 bolts on the front mount to the chassis. Removing the end cover and circlip method, continue as specified in the manual but when it comes to removing the old plate etc, simply ease the box away from the engine until enough room is available to slip it out through the access in the bellhousing , replacement is the reverse, but ensure that the splines line up with the clutch plate prior to bolting it all back together.
Dave
In response to your question about changing the clutch with it still in situ, i beg to differ from your previous answer that u cannot change it as it is.I have at least several times now changed clutches and the thrust bearing set without removing the gearbox or in fact even loosening the bell housing bolts..Simple really, just remove the dirt plate which is sutuated and the bottom of your gearbox near to the engine, there u will see the clutch plate, remove the plate on the outside of the gearbox(under nearside wheelarch) there you will see a large surclip that holds the actual shaft that penetrates the gearbox, remove the surclip, pull out the shaft to its full extent.Get back under the car and undo each of the bolts around the clutch pressure plate, you will need to rotate the plate to get at them all but it is quite simple.Once you have done this the entire assembly(except the thrust bearing) will simply fall out.Once this is done you can reach inside and remove the thrust bearing with ease.On your new cltch kit you will have 3 clips around the edge taking the pressure of the pressure plate(do not remove these yet) assemble your clutch unit the same way as you removed the old one( meaning the clutch plate facing the right way) put in each of the bolts you removed and continue to slightly tightn them .Go back to the nearside wheelarch and push in the shaft u removed earlier (sumtimes a little fiddly but easily done) once you have done that refit the surclip.Now back under the car and remove the clips around the pressure plate one by one.Now u can tighten each of the bolts holding the clutch system in place to the correct torque settings and replace the cover you removed.Thats all there is to it and it will save you some money.Good luck...Dave
Dave, March 2005
