[zookedup]

not sure if this is the right section or not.
I have just been to have a look at a 92 swb vitara its all pretty clean and drives o.k but the owner said when it came back from the mechanics last that the mechanic recommend a new clutch will need to be fitted soon,
so my question is how much would I be looking for a clutch?
and is it worth taking it to a mechanic to do? or is it relatively easy to do with a basic set of hand tools and a little bit of mechanical aptitude?

cheers sam

[steak_knife]

Do it your self...

best way to learn about your car is pulling it apart..

[christover1]

steak_knife wrote:

:P Do it your self...

best way to learn about your car is pulling it apart..

Putting it back together is a bonus

I'm guessing as I have never seen a Vit one done, that either transfer case and gearbox comes out, or engine comes out, so a bit of work to do, and be careful not to drop it on your head.

christover

[steak_knife]

You will need to get the car up on stand's to give you room to move under it, the box & transfer aren't light, so use a trolley jack to support the weight of em while you maneuver em out..

[zookedup]

hhm ok so its a bit too big of a job to do at home then?
how much will the clutch set me back roughly? and what would the going rate to have it done at a mechanics?

they want $2400 ono for it, its a 92 with 206k on it with the timing belt, new radiator and hoses put in at 200,000
its my first car so dont want to spend too much but don;t want a lemon
cheers sam

[buzbox]

A new clutch would cost between $200-300 triple that price if you get a mechanic to install it. If you have a repair manual, a socket set and a mate to lend a hand you should knock it over in an afternoon.

$2000 for a vit is pretty cheap.

[Westie]

Maching the flywheel is a MUST $60-80. NEW Spigot bearing $5.
17mm socket with 400mm ext bar. car on 4X stands, disconect Batt, remove tail sharfts. ( Drain Trans first) jack under G/Box and remove X member, remove starter ( All this can be done from under the car except Batt).
remove front plate from G/box undo all the bolts holding the G/box in. The top 2 use the Ext bar +17mm socket and braker bar. The bole next to the exaust can be a pain to get so I cut a cheap 17mm open ended ring in half and ust that once loose.2 person job to remove box out.
To remove flywheel for machining undo all the bolts but leave ONE in till ready too have assistant to catch it if it falls.
REPCO will know where people go to get it machined, if you don't you will end up with a shutters cluch. Replace Spigot bearing If the rear main is leaking REPLACE it NOW and do it with a Gen Suzuki one $68 instead of a $20-30 after market type.

To install is the reverse and use a tention wrench for the Flywheel

Flywheel 40 lb
Preasure plate 20lb

[zookedup]

cheers mate thats a good explanation
might just get my mate to give me a hand he has recently done it in his 4runner failing that a familly fiends a top notch mechanic and might be able to give me a hand.

is there anything else to look out for on the vits?
as I plan on going back for another look

[Westie]

Check the chassis for any rust the front and rear of it is a hole large enough to get a finger in there and feel for scales of rust /mud/sand.
Also opef the front doors and look in the lower front pillar for leaves /mud/sand as if not flushed out will build up and ruct in there.
Gear box Xmember for damage sills also.
Cracks in the block behind the exaust if it has the standard manifold it will more tha likly be cracked under the silver heat plate ( Held on by 3 nuts) or it may have extractors on it. radiator look under the cap for any gunk and that it has coolant in it. Air filter is always good to check as it will tell you if the car has been serviced regular as to with the plugs. Floor mats try and see what is under there also. Cracked windscreens not sure if it is a JLX if so check all window and mirror switches, and if supplied with Air make sure it is getting cold.