Transmission removal help!!

[Andy H]

Hey everyone! I've been trying to remove my transmission for two days now! I need to replace the clutch. Only thing I've got left holding the transmission in, are the top two 18mm bolts. I have tried everything I know, and nothing is working. Any tips on how to get these broken loose? I have used an 18" extension and an impact, and it will not break loose. Any ideas?

[ssms5411]

You could try PB Blaster, or something similar and just spray them real good and let it sit overnight. I would think an impact would take them out so probably stuck pretty well if that’s not working. Are you using a 1/2” on your 18” extension on your impact?

[Andy H]

Thanks! That got it broke loose! I had to put a cheater bar on a ratchet. When it broke loose, I smashed my arm into the floor jack! Oh well, if your not bleeding, you ain't doing it right! Anyway, I was using a 3/8" extension with my impact. I hope I didn't damage the input shaft getting the transmission out. Is there anyway to check? Or, should I just replace it? I'm going to replace the slave cylinder. Anything else I should replace while I'm in there? I've attached some pics of the transmission.

[ssms5411]

Nice, yeah just looked at the input shaft if it doesn’t look bad I wouldn’t worry about it. For replacing stuff, how old are the parts. Like TOB . Which clutch did you go with?I see you have a B&M Ripper, when I was a M5 that’s what I had, one of the best mods for a M5.

[Andy H]

All the parts are the original ones except for the ripper. I haven't decided on which clutch kit yet. I definitely have to replace the slave cylinder, and I believe the throw-out bearing was making noise. The car has got around 130,000 miles on it. I just need something similar to oem and not too expensive.

[ssms5411]

Wow, not bad getting that many miles out of it. lol , I used Spec clutches when I was M5 but don’t know if there still around. I’d see what the Auto stores are selling for replacement. I know Robert, FirebirdGT has a M5 so maybe he can chime in and see what he recommends.

[ssms5411]

Looking at clutches Duralast is about $100 and Ram clutches are little over $400 so will be up to you money wise on what you want to spend.

[FirebirdGT]

Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Kit is $430 - I have the Centerforce I Kit - but you can't get the disc anymore.

https://www.centerforce.com/search.h...+%28231+cid%29

[Andy H]

Looking at rock auto, I may go with either Luk or Sachs. I wish the centerforce kit was cheaper. I need to get the slave cylinder and release bearing as well.

[Andy H]

So, I removed the pilot bearing and comparing it to the new one, I don't think I've got the right one. I went with the sachs clutch kit and the pilot bearing it came with is bigger than the bushing I took out. I guess I will have to order another one. What do you all recommend?

[ssms5411]

Yes ,you need the correct one, might return it, or see if you can find a A/C Delco one. I use to use the ACdelco ones with my Spec clutches ,some of them come in plastic not metal so stuck with stock ones.

[ssms5411]

You can get a ACdelco bearing for about $20-$26. Check Amazon.

[Andy H]

I got the correct pilot bushing and got it installed. I had my flywheel machined and got it back yesterday. I was going to install it today but, I was wondering if I really need a flywheel shim? I didn't realize that I might need one until I was looking at installation procedures. What do you all think? Is it necessary to install the shim since I had my flywheel machined?

[ssms5411]

To tell you the truth, I don’t remember using a shim. Did it come with the clutch kit?

[Andy H]

No, it didn't come with the clutch kit. I'm leaning towards installing it without the shim.