I have an 03 1.9 sdi fabia that needs a new clutch. Now I plan to do this myself (I am not a mechanic but am handy with tools and confident enough to do it. I've replaced the suspension, the arb links, the track rod ends, the wheel bearings, the suspension bushes myself before). I've never done a clutch before and was looking for some advice prior to starting. Anything i need to be aware of before starting? Any tips? Any warnings? Any pointers to where i'll get some useful info to help me along the way? (i have a Haynes manual).

Anything at all you think will help is greatly appreciated.

cheeRS

Anyone?

I have replaced the clutch on mine and also had to take the box out again when the clutch slave cylinder failed.

Two things that stick in my mind:

1. The gearbox is very heavy, I used an engine hoist to lower/raise the gearbox, I would not fancy lifting it by hand, would take at least two people I think.

2. Drop the whole front suspension cross member, if you don't its virtually impossible to get the gearbox in and out, when I changed the clutch I did not lower the cross member (thinking I would save time) and its was so hard getting the gearbox back in, second time doing the slave cylinder I dropped the cross member and it was a breeze getting the gearbox in and out.

Dropping the cross member means the tracking needs to be checked/adjusted as it disturbs the front suspension, I am not sure but I think there may be an alignment tool for aligning the front cross member when fitting, I just bolted it back up and reset the tracking.

p.s mine is a vrs with 6spd box so may be slightly different.

Edited 12 November, 201213 yr by duck

I have replaced the clutch on mine and also had to take the box out again when the clutch slave cylinder failed.

Two things that stick in my mind:

1. The gearbox is very heavy, I used an engine hoist to lower/raise the gearbox, I would not fancy lifting it by hand, would take at least two people I think.

2. Drop the whole front suspension cross member, if you don't its virtually impossible to get the gearbox in and out, when I changed the clutch I did not lower the cross member (thinking I would save time) and its was so hard getting the gearbox back in, second time doing the slave cylinder I dropped the cross member and it was a breeze getting the gearbox in and out.

Dropping the cross member means the tracking needs to be checked/adjusted as it disturbs the front suspension, I am not sure but I think there may be an alignment tool for aligning the front cross member when fitting, I just bolted it back up and reset the tracking.

p.s mine is a vrs with 6spd box so may be slightly different.

Excellent, thanks very much for the input.

Anyone else?

I have replaced the clutch on mine and also had to take the box out again when the clutch slave cylinder failed.

Two things that stick in my mind:

1. The gearbox is very heavy, I used an engine hoist to lower/raise the gearbox, I would not fancy lifting it by hand, would take at least two people I think.

2. Drop the whole front suspension cross member, if you don't its virtually impossible to get the gearbox in and out, when I changed the clutch I did not lower the cross member (thinking I would save time) and its was so hard getting the gearbox back in, second time doing the slave cylinder I dropped the cross member and it was a breeze getting the gearbox in and out.

Dropping the cross member means the tracking needs to be checked/adjusted as it disturbs the front suspension, I am not sure but I think there may be an alignment tool for aligning the front cross member when fitting, I just bolted it back up and reset the tracking.

p.s mine is a vrs with 6spd box so may be slightly different.

What happened when your slave cylinder failed. As had my clutch fitted and the slave cylinder just started leaking, now the company that I bought the clutch and cylinder from wont give me a refund or cover te extra labour cost for changing it again

What happened when your slave cylinder failed. As had my clutch fitted and the slave cylinder just started leaking, now the company that I bought the clutch and cylinder from wont give me a refund or cover te extra labour cost for changing it again

My slave cylinder totally failed i.e. lost all the fluid in one go so the car was u/s, I cannot do without a car so I just brought a new slave cylinder and fitted it the next day, I thought I would have a similar issue that you are having getting a replacement under warranty so I just bit the bullet and paid for the new one.

Edited 12 November, 201213 yr by duck