HI,

I'm going to be taking a skoda 1.3 estate on the mongol rally (basically I am driving it 10000miles to Mongolia). The car has done 88,000 miles and I do not think that it has had a new clutch put in it. Currently there are no problems with the clutch, the thing is that we will be drving it on terrible roads and mountain paths with the car full ladened. I'm guessing that it would be best to change it to err on the side of caution as I don't know how easy it'll be to get it changed out there.

We have a very tight budget for this as well, so I am going to get a clutch kit and try and fit myself. Firslty where would you say the best place is to get a cheap clutch kit, cheapest I've found on ebay was here: SKODA FAVORIT, FELICIA 1.3 CLUTCH KIT - NEW CLUTCH KIT on eBay (end time 05-Jul-09 01:10:07 BST) for £50 delivered. Also how easy is it to change a clutch, do we need any specialst tools?

Thanks

One more thing is it recommended to replace the clutch cable as well??

I would say dont mend it unless it's broke.

But it sounds like a job for a 4wd.

And a good recovery policy covering Mongolia,and a sat phone.

Are guns legal in Mongolia?

Sounds like the sort of place you might need..

Edited 3 July, 200917 yr by iansmith

Couldn't hurt to carry a spare clutch cable.

Not too bad a job if you have a reasonable set of tools, be sure to disconnect exhaust pipe ( disconnect at downpipe to cat section ) and support loose exhaust.

Be sure to have a clutch alignment tool, makes life a lot easier. A trolley jack and or another set off hands would be useful also a stout cross member to support engine weight

when removing gearbox.

Silvafelicia.

The clutch is adjustable via the cable, my view is, that if it is working perfectly, don't touch it, but then again, I'm not planning a trip to Mongolia. Make sure that the cable is routed correctly, as they can get close to the exhaust and seize up, also check that the breather on top of the gearbox is clear and its plastic cap is free to move, otherwise the gearbox oil will come out via the speedo cable into the car.

Thanks for your advice, I know what you mean about if it aint broke don't fix it. I just don't want to get half way and for it to go on me and I can't get it changed, and for £50 I thought it would be worth it.

I'm going to change it next weekend, hopefully it goes well!

What I have read cos mine keeps slipping,and I keep adjusting it and then it works for a while,(maybe the cable sticking)

Favorit Felicia Clutch Replacement?

clutch Universal tool

Remove the sensor on top of the bellhousing beforehand cos it will foul the flywheel and break,

Undo the bottom balljoint bolt to allow the hanging strut to swing (to give enough movement), so that the driveshafts can be pinged out with a chisel or crowbar(just pulling wont do it),and swing the driveshafts out of the way,

Circlips on the driveshaft likely to break,get a few more beforehand,

Tie a length of string on the spring clip holding the clutch cable on the pedal, cos it gets lost when it pings off,take the drivers seat , and footbrake switch out for access.Little & skinny bod would help.

I Haven't done the job myself tho., apart from changing the cable.

Careful with a trolley jack on the underneath cos the box sections ARE NOT STRONG enough,and you could BEND THE FLOOR,

Hope youve got a Haynes,

All the best mate

Edited 5 July, 200917 yr by iansmith