Technical Anyone replace a clutch by themselves?

[newportz]

Hi,

I feel that my clutch pedal is getting quite stiff and have decided to replace the clutch assy along with the throwout bearing (I've got 130 000km/ 2001 Punto SX 1.2l 8v). I want to do the job myself as it seems pretty straightforeward but have never done a clutch on a Fiat. Is there anything I should look out for- any tricks to make the job easier? Any specific Punto nightmare scenarios?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[oktopod]

I've heard that after you change clutch cilinder, it's very hard to fine tune it, by that I mean adjusting the position (hight) of the pedal where car starts going...and leting out the air is a few times process

 

[puntoyouth]

It is certainly not an easy job replacing the clutch in a fiat punto yourself - my clutch wore out a few months ago - another problem added to the list. Its difficult because of its location - more or less ahd to remove the full wheel and hub to get to it - minding all the blots are hidden, so I had to drop the engine aswell. Finally gave up and got a mates garage to put it all back together. Had similar problem with replacing bust oil sump - all the bolts hidden away behind the engine.

David

 

[oktopod]

Off topic, I'm beggining to hate those Fiat lads, looks like they've spent 99% of their time designing the car looks, and then in a few minutes they assembled it
Wires that move dont have a "path" on which they move, intake pipe is sitting on some wires, some screws are inacesible until you take a part the whole car...everything I want to do on my car, I get to a certain point when I need a special tool (like torex t30 for polen filter box in cabin, I mean, c'mon couldnt you put a regular screw), or cant reach something, or something doesnt look like its normal to put it there...

For another example, I was taking off rear lights, one of them died so needed replacement, there are 2 "screws" that hold them, problem is you need a special tool or brute force with mole grip to unscrew them, plus its not easy to get to them cause they're in a hole 2 mm larger than they are, and there is no space to manuver...Just to change a light bulb!!!!!!

Beggining to hate it...

 

[newportz]

thanks guys!

 

[Ralf S.]

The clutch on the Punto is a bog-standard FWD job.

If you have to drop the engine you're doing something VERY wrong.

Take the wheel off, disconnect the gearbox, stick in new clutch.


Ralf S.

 

[faster4_tec]

yup as ralf says, same as MOST fwd cars, remove wheel, drive shaft, g'box, clutch. centre the clutch, refit gbox, refit driveshaft, refit suspension bolt, refit wheel job done.

unless something gets stuck (bolt seized/bolt snaps) it'll take less than 2hours


no special tools required really

 

[Munkul]

Off topic, I'm beggining to hate those Fiat lads, looks like they've spent 99% of their time designing the car looks, and then in a few minutes they assembled it
Wires that move dont have a "path" on which they move, intake pipe is sitting on some wires, some screws are inacesible until you take a part the whole car...everything I want to do on my car, I get to a certain point when I need a special tool (like torex t30 for polen filter box in cabin, I mean, c'mon couldnt you put a regular screw), or cant reach something, or something doesnt look like its normal to put it there...

For another example, I was taking off rear lights, one of them died so needed replacement, there are 2 "screws" that hold them, problem is you need a special tool or brute force with mole grip to unscrew them, plus its not easy to get to them cause they're in a hole 2 mm larger than they are, and there is no space to manuver...Just to change a light bulb!!!!!!

Beggining to hate it...

evidence that MK2s are worse than MK1s, which are pure classics

really though, clutches arent that hard to do, athough musclepower comes in handy.

 

[RobsonGTO]

I think im gonna head down this route, how easy is it to replace one on a mk1 punto? ive got a haynes manual, is this all that ill need :slayer:

 

[Puntoboy]

You don't even need to remove the wheel on the Punto. Makes it a little easier but can be done with it still attached.

I did my first Punto clutch years ago, was a litle tricky, but nothing too hard.

 

[RobsonGTO]

Any special tools needed? or just your basic spanner, socket set ect? i read the heynes manual and it says to support the engine with a trolly jack and then another one for the transmission? i have the axel stands and a trolly jack, prob could get another one if needed