1990 4-AFE Corolla clutch R&R

[Mattb60]

I'd like to consider myself mechanically inclinded, but how much of a hassle is it to replace the clutch in my corolla? If it's a pain in the #%* how much would I expect a mechanic to charge me?

[CCTF]

We are in the process of doing the clutch on an 89 SR5. We are mechanically inclined and have all the tools. Is it a pain -- very much so. Front suspension, center and cross suports all come off. A few broken bolts etc.. We will get it done but I'd hate to think what it would cost if you had to pay the labour.
Have Fun!

[Flashmn]

It sucks to change it.

[TekPhobia]

I did an auto -> manual conversion about a year before I did my GZE swap. And to be honest, doing a motor swap was easier than the tranny swap! Fighting with the gearbox while on my back, trying to get it all splined up...what PITA.

-Tim

[cobrajet25]

Clutches on FWD cars are always a pain in the ass. Period. It is simply a function of the layout on FWD cars. With the engine wedged into the bay sideways and two driveshafts, FWD cars are ALL a hassle when it comes to clutches. The Corolla is no more or less difficult than any other car. Take your time, have the right tools on hand, and plan things carefully and you should be fine. You might want to get a manual and do some studying before you actually dive into it. Good luck. Regards, Aaron

[NDR008]

It is a hassle, but from my experience, if you can get someone with a little experience, and do it urself, it is better, u learn, can do it again next time, and generally the 'pros' muck things up for me, so might as well try it myself 1st and maybe muck it up anyway.

[CCTF]

We finished ours on Saturday. Took a full two days including time to fix three broken studs/bolts on the cross members. Depending on where the car has been driven this may or may not be a problem. Coming from the frozen north this one was exposed to a lot of salt over the years. It's problably a one day job with no problems. We took the oportunity to change the wheel bearings and replace broken boots on the steering rack at the same time as well. You definitely should get a manual.

[2advanced]

Its not that hard if you are mechanically inclined and have the write tools.. if you gave me a shop hoist i could do it in half a day

I did it in my garage in 1 day from 10am to 12am

once you've done it once you've done it many times with the older corollas.. they are very simple

[Mattb60]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I do have a factory repair manual and it is very vague on step by step instructions. It basically just shows what parts to remove in one of the pictures and then goes into taking the housing off and proper spline alignment. Maybe I should go get a haynes manual, it might have more info.

[NDR008]

Yeah, those haynes manual helped a lot many times, repairs, service, and even when it came to changing engines...