This is a fantastic four-part video! I watched this over and over in preparation for my Focus' clutch job. I sailed through in five hours - even did the throw-out bearing! Thanks a million, Eric!
love it, just done a clutch, first problem! n/s drive shaft, same problem you had! never done it your way! worked a treat so thanks for that.next problem im alone on a driveway with stones on it, waiting for a mate in traffic to help me lift the gearbox, figured if you can do it on your own so can i, although your cars up a lot higher than man, rested gearbox on my leg, slid under and lifted leg lol, lines straight up, quickest refit ive ever done, genuinely, awesome videos, watched all 3 parts and was inspired on the job, just had a problem bleeding it, tried everything, gave up at 11:30 last night and went and bought a alba 12v pressure bleeder, no problems, just test driven, love it! thanks a lot
@h88auto A tip that might help is don't push the wrench with a closed hand, instead keep an open hand just in case something like that happens. I hope your better.
Thank you. That was a very real live demonstration. Love how honest you are about beeing not terrible professionel in little details. Im about to tackle this myself, and it perfectly answered my question: should i do this myself? Yes, but be relaxed about it, and in case take 2 days.
@SuuOnYaBike That depends, some clutches feel differently than others. In your situation I might be checking the hydraulics for leaks just to be on the safe side.
@JokariX Well da. But considering I need the money to fix my wife's van (that I haven't fixed in a year) I don't think it will be anytime soon. Besides being on the ground keeps me 'grounded', not to mention my awesome shop, just having that is the greatest who cares that I don't have a lift yet.
Thanks Eric. Im 17 and I replaced my clutch and benched the trans back in place all by myself. lol But then i ended u breaking the mounts on the master cylinder while bleeding. the bearing connector wouldnt stay all the way in , it kept coming out then i pushed too hard on the pedal o.0
@ckd886 Normally kits come with a throwout bearing especially with these since it's also the slave cylinder, honestly I don't remember what brand I got but it was a 'name' brand.
I give you a bunch of kudos having the patience to do things like this on the ground Eric. This is an awesome video series. Studying right now for manual drive trains ASE and this put a lot into visual what I've been learning Thanks a lot!
My mate wants me to help him do this same job,and it makes me think its going to be a nightmare.Love the videos and have to decide whether we are up to this task.We have replaced clutches in the past so do have experience but its been a while.
@waddyprocess Thanks for saying that. I would say that might be because I consider myself a 'regular folk', I just work hard is all I don't see myself as better than anyone else, that sounds like too much responsibility.
Great editing easy to understand you. I have to replace my clutch pack next week. Which kit is very best quality, I want long time of happy shifting. I purchased a full Ford kit from parts department. Thanks -Robb
This video is the primary reason it took me 1 year after purchasing the kit to convince myself to start working on it. Seriously though: it is doable, even if you can't lift the gearbox :P but do not, NEVER, start it with the premise of "certainly getting it done in 3-4 hours".
it's good to put a very thin layer of grease on the pressure plate spring fingers where the throwout bearing face makes contact. As the throwout bearing engages there is a small amount of sliding, and i have seen clutch pedals engage smoother and easier with the spring tips greased.
i was looking ur video 4 days ago and my friends 2003 focus clutch went out so i did replace it but when i try to put the trans.by hand i don't know how u did it,lol that trans is havy .han to use a floor jack.thanks for u videos.
dunno if anyone cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can stream all the latest series on instaflixxer. I've been streaming with my brother recently =)
@EricTheCarGuy i just bought strut spring compressors, they're the safer kind because they lock onto the spring making it have a 0% chance of slipping out but the bolt could still fail i'm not saying it will or wont lol just that it is safer than others
@EricTheCarGuy Actually even a manual trans is kind of heavy ( around 60-70lbs ). I don't know for the probe, I did the one on my protege and with the small space to work with and the weight of the trans I had to weld a pulley to the roof and ask a freind to help me with the up and down movement to align it with the block.
I was chatting with a mechanic named Mike who works in New Prague, Minnesota. He said when he pulls a transmission, for whatever reason, he always replaces the axle seals (The 2 seals in the transmission - differential thing). He also said with Corollas, once the car gets over 150,000 miles, those axle seals always start leaking. So they need to be replaced whether you want to or not.
do you have a video on how to install a Self Adjusting Clutch. I will be changing mine (05 v6 accord) and it seems like I will be needing a tool for the pressure plate, I wonder what would happen if I just tighten the bolts just like any other clutch. Your advise would be very helpful! Thanks!!!!
let me tell you the right tool makes the job easy, but you doing it shows how to make it easier, cause let me tell you you made it look easy. i had to change the clutch on my 98 Nissan altima and that was fun...... after watching this i would do it differently... well the Eric way :)
Getting ready to do my '03 Focus. 135,000 miles on one clutch! Eric, which clutch kit did you get? I'd like to replace my throw bearing at the same time.
good stuff really useful i think the arrow annotations where good, i think sometimes it got a bit disorienting from starting the video close up to the part rather than getting your bearings from seeing wheels or the bonnet or something
this is a great tip,which will save you a lot of hassle,, when the gear box is fully bolted up,before even lookin at the driveshafts,hook up the clutch hydraulics (or cable) and check if you have a good pedal,cos,at the end of the job,when everything is back together,is not the time to find that the clutch is not right at the pedal!!!
Bit of a struggle getting that gearbox in place ..well done seen it before ..but the guy had it up on a ramp and had a gearbox carrier on wheels ..easy no problem
how do you keep track of witch bolts go where?? that's the hardest thing well to me when im working on a car.. remembering where the different size bolts went..
isnt't the cable on the transmission the RPM sensor and the speed sensor is on the "powered" axle? as the speedometer will also work when the car is turned off, in neutral and towed for example.
A handy tip for these concentric cylinders is to fill it before installing it. compress it, insert its fluid line into brake/clutch fluid. and allow to fill, reinsert cap and youll find youve less bleeding to do later on.
@Jx1x3 I like your cute little saying, but i think it's been done a bit too much. There is nothing wrong with that and I would do the same thing to a customer vehicle, the difference comes when it's time to interact with the customer, weather you tell them or deny it was you and act dumb. That is what happens when you build a trust with customers and have people who trust what you say. If you say it's fine, they believe you.
I like it Eric, great job. at about 8:40 I was feeling for you and I'm sure watching the video you wish you could have had that view while you were doing it. Anyway, great work as always.
Done this out in the street..in the rain...in the snow! Easier ways to do some parts of this job. It should take about 3 hours to change a clutch in a Focus and that's with only having one set of axle stands, a 30 year old jack, 6 sockets, 2 screwdrivers and a piece of scaffold pipe. Just changed an Alfa 156 V6 engine with one extra tool...engine lift....ah happy days!
Right so here it is. I had a hell of a job getting my second ever gearbox up into this damn focus. The stupid transmission jack I bought for £100 from Sealey just gets in the damn way. It is either flat or can tilt one side for 5 degree’s. The bottom of this gearbox is not any of those. Then if you use thick foam to cushion the thing, its just another thing to get in the way. You need to be confident of the weight and the lift. Thumbs facing you and firstly zip tie the wiring loom above tight and up away from the area. The reason I had the ultimate problem was simple. After struggling so much getting it from the raised transmission jack and then into place whilst struggling to move the jack away from the area and couldn’t because of the axle stands holding the car, was the clutch had moved. Yep the damn clutch after centering had slipped out of alignment. Curse the bloody thing. I was exhausted. Anyway, so use the grease that comes with the clutch to ease the centre of the thing along the splines. Turn the shaft to have the splines pointing due north and those of the clutch the same. The gearbox fell off the transmission jack. Yep still changes gear though but what a nuisance those jacks are. First time I had an engine noise above lowering down a rope around the gearbox. That in truth was easier than the transmission jack.
I'm having a hard time mating the transmission back to the engine. The subframe is in the way and I don't have the upper body strength to lift it up straight up. Using a jack is just cumbersome and again the subframe keeps getting in the way.
I have a 2007 ford focus Zetec 2.0 manual (72 000 km) and the clutch is very soft but the pick up point is normal. Is it normal to have a soft clutch??
I've had to wrestle the transmission into place before. To be fair, I think your stronger than I am - I was there for an hour! Plus the car wasn't as high off the ground so I couldn't get directly under it - not enough room. Having watched this I had a thought though. If you use a regular/transmission jack JUST to get the trans high enough, you could have used the 2nd hook on the engine support and another strap to support the weight of the trans, assuming you can get a good purchase on it. Then you could loose the jack and have nice, gradual adjustment on the height and nothing in the way underneath. Should be quite easy to ease into place then. Will try that next time I have to do one. Btw, I use big meaty ratchet straps rather than seat belts. The high quality ones with a weight rating WELL above what I need (I think mine are 2 tons).
I just did a clutch on my buddy's 03 Focus SVT. The service manual says to drop the subframe but I managed to get it both out and in without it. You definitely need a transmission jack for that transmission though and alot of swearing and manipulating it
Hey eric I attempted to replace my clutch yesterday and when I put the pressure plate onto the flywheel it wasnt sitting flush, so I had to force/bolt it down to the flywheel? Is this normal or should it fit flush and easy when installing? As right now my clutch is not engaging when I push the pedal -_-
using a weight bar resting over the over the top of the car, careful not to mess up the fenders, and using rope, I tied up the block and then used more rope to slowly lower and then later raise the transmission. no chance of it dropping on my head, unless my buddy on the rope decides to off me.
Someone please make a video for what to do when you have left over bolts and can't find a video showing what bolts go where im screwed btw 2001 ford escape manual transmission 2wd clutch replacement idk what to do
LOL why is it every time you take a trans out when you go to put it back in, it seems like its two sizes to big. I wrestled with that thing on my chest for 20 minutes before getting in place.
This is a fantastic four-part video! I watched this over and over in preparation for my Focus' clutch job. I sailed through in five hours - even did the throw-out bearing! Thanks a million, Eric!
You do a VERY informative job of helping people understand the WHY you do things.
love it, just done a clutch, first problem! n/s drive shaft, same problem you had! never done it your way! worked a treat so thanks for that.next problem im alone on a driveway with stones on it, waiting for a mate in traffic to help me lift the gearbox, figured if you can do it on your own so can i, although your cars up a lot higher than man, rested gearbox on my leg, slid under and lifted leg lol, lines straight up, quickest refit ive ever done, genuinely, awesome videos, watched all 3 parts and was inspired on the job, just had a problem bleeding it, tried everything, gave up at 11:30 last night and went and bought a alba 12v pressure bleeder, no problems, just test driven, love it! thanks a lot
Respect on lifting that bellhousing onto the engin, that was heroic .
Nice job sir.
@dendorssers Honestly that's the way most if it is done, fancy tools can make your life easier but aren't always necessary. Thanks for your comment.
@EricTheCarGuy - Your new shop is SO BIG! I was happy when I thought you had a lift. In due time!
@h88auto A tip that might help is don't push the wrench with a closed hand, instead keep an open hand just in case something like that happens. I hope your better.
Thank you. That was a very real live demonstration. Love how honest you are about beeing not terrible professionel in little details. Im about to tackle this myself, and it perfectly answered my question: should i do this myself? Yes, but be relaxed about it, and in case take 2 days.
@SuuOnYaBike That depends, some clutches feel differently than others. In your situation I might be checking the hydraulics for leaks just to be on the safe side.
@JokariX Well da. But considering I need the money to fix my wife's van (that I haven't fixed in a year) I don't think it will be anytime soon. Besides being on the ground keeps me 'grounded', not to mention my awesome shop, just having that is the greatest who cares that I don't have a lift yet.
@JTheGuitarPlayer You're right but it's what I had at the time. Sometimes you can learn from the mistakes of ETCG as much as the 'lessons'.
Thanks Eric.
Im 17 and I replaced my clutch and benched the trans back in place all by myself. lol
But then i ended u breaking the mounts on the master cylinder while bleeding. the bearing connector wouldnt stay all the way in , it kept coming out then i pushed too hard on the pedal o.0
I'm gonna be honest here, I clapped for you Eric @ 9:21 when that transmission slid all the way up into place!
just had to do the same myself! not easy
Always the worst bit of the job, having that lump jangling around and doing all it can to NOT go on 😩😩😩
How is that not heavy. I struggle lifting mine in.
@ckd886 Normally kits come with a throwout bearing especially with these since it's also the slave cylinder, honestly I don't remember what brand I got but it was a 'name' brand.
I give you a bunch of kudos having the patience to do things like this on the ground Eric. This is an awesome video series. Studying right now for manual drive trains ASE and this put a lot into visual what I've been learning Thanks a lot!
My mate wants me to help him do this same job,and it makes me think its going to be a nightmare.Love the videos and have to decide whether we are up to this task.We have replaced clutches in the past so do have experience but its been a while.
I'm in the process of doing this. Just got the transmission out. My first clutch attempt.
@Jx1x3 Sister-in-law actually. We never really got along.
@midlantic1 Someday for now I'll make due, it's just nice to have ROOM to work.
@waddyprocess Thanks for saying that. I would say that might be because I consider myself a 'regular folk', I just work hard is all I don't see myself as better than anyone else, that sounds like too much responsibility.
@BENDPAK7000 If it was leaking I would say yes but sometimes it's better to stick with 'if it ain't broke don't fix it.'
@ProjectCarTV Yea, I LOVE the new shop it's like living in heaven.
Great editing easy to understand you.
I have to replace my clutch pack next week.
Which kit is very best quality, I want long time of happy shifting.
I purchased a full Ford kit from parts department.
Thanks
-Robb
@axenz1 See the ETCG1 video "Exit Strategy".
Eric the car guy bench presses transmissions... well done sir
This video is the primary reason it took me 1 year after purchasing the kit to convince myself to start working on it.
Seriously though: it is doable, even if you can't lift the gearbox :P but do not, NEVER, start it with the premise of "certainly getting it done in 3-4 hours".
it's good to put a very thin layer of grease on the pressure plate spring fingers where the throwout bearing face makes contact.
As the throwout bearing engages there is a small amount of sliding, and i have seen clutch pedals engage smoother and easier with the spring tips greased.
@SomeGuyInSandy Nope, that's why it's wrapped in a rag.
Thank you this helped me a lot managed to do it in about 8 hours including tea breaks ha ha
i did a clutch on a 2000 elantra once, used my engine hoist and lift the trans up and it lined up smooth.
@midlantic1
i agree but i think he tries to adopt the techniques that a non very well equipped person would use like a non pro random dude.
Just done this to my gf's 2000 ford focus, very helpful video, wish I hadn't skipped the hose clamp part on the hydraulic line.
i was looking ur video 4 days ago and my friends 2003 focus clutch went out so i did replace it but when i try to put the trans.by hand i don't know how u did it,lol that trans is havy .han to use a floor jack.thanks for u videos.
@corsie1987 Making life easier by videotaping my mistakes and posting them for all the world to see, the essence of ETCG. Thanks for the comment.
Would love to know how much you charged in labour for this job
dunno if anyone cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can stream all the latest series on instaflixxer. I've been streaming with my brother recently =)
@Trevor Jaiden Definitely, been using instaflixxer for months myself =)
@EricTheCarGuy i just bought strut spring compressors, they're the safer kind because they lock onto the spring making it have a 0% chance of slipping out but the bolt could still fail i'm not saying it will or wont lol just that it is safer than others
@Collins328 Thank you!
@EricTheCarGuy Actually even a manual trans is kind of heavy ( around 60-70lbs ). I don't know for the probe, I did the one on my protege and with the small space to work with and the weight of the trans I had to weld a pulley to the roof and ask a freind to help me with the up and down movement to align it with the block.
I was chatting with a mechanic named Mike who works in New Prague, Minnesota. He said when he pulls a transmission, for whatever reason, he always replaces the axle seals (The 2 seals in the transmission - differential thing).
He also said with Corollas, once the car gets over 150,000 miles, those axle seals always start leaking. So they need to be replaced whether you want to or not.
do you have a video on how to install a Self Adjusting Clutch. I will be changing mine (05 v6 accord) and it seems like I will be needing a tool for the pressure plate, I wonder what would happen if I just tighten the bolts just like any other clutch. Your advise would be very helpful! Thanks!!!!
@tiberianexcalibur I would never lift an automatic like this.
@instabad83 It wasn't that heavy, now an automatic, you wouldn't see me doing that.
Would replacing rear main seal be a good idea since transmission is already removed from vehicle?
let me tell you the right tool makes the job easy, but you doing it shows how to make it easier, cause let me tell you you made it look easy. i had to change the clutch on my 98 Nissan altima and that was fun...... after watching this i would do it differently... well the Eric way :)
What gearbox is this? I've got the same slave cylinder but on a 03/03 build. I think it's a 02 but made 03 EU cross over thing.
@BIGW0RD Yea that would be cool.
Getting ready to do my '03 Focus. 135,000 miles on one clutch!
Eric, which clutch kit did you get? I'd like to replace my throw bearing at the same time.
Have you ever heard of a clutch being installed backwards? (With the indentation facing the flywheel). What would be the symptoms of that?
@Xelastic Yea you wouldn't want me operating on people, I'm too dirty.
good stuff really useful i think the arrow annotations where good, i think sometimes it got a bit disorienting from starting the video close up to the part rather than getting your bearings from seeing wheels or the bonnet or something
moral of the story...pay eric the car guy to change your clutch. Holy eff..this looks like a pain in the ass.
great video, very helpfull!!. I love the part where you are wrestling the gearbox back in !!! Great job!!!
@retroguitarmaster Yes, yes I am.
@DMasterMensionz They dislike ME not the video.
@EricTheCarGuy How is it possible to dislike YOU?
this is a great tip,which will save you a lot of hassle,, when the gear box is fully bolted up,before even lookin at the driveshafts,hook up the clutch hydraulics (or cable) and check if you have a good pedal,cos,at the end of the job,when everything is back together,is not the time to find that the clutch is not right at the pedal!!!
couldnt stop laughing when the alignment tool end came off. i commend you for your work. this project was long. good job sir
Bit of a struggle getting that gearbox in place ..well done seen it before ..but the guy had it up on a ramp and had a gearbox carrier on wheels ..easy no problem
You are a surgeon, but for cars.
Thanks man, awesome vid.
how do you keep track of witch bolts go where?? that's the hardest thing well to me when im working on a car.. remembering where the different size bolts went..
isnt't the cable on the transmission the RPM sensor and the speed sensor is on the "powered" axle?
as the speedometer will also work when the car is turned off, in neutral and towed for example.
One tip lowering engine down to pivot slightly will help gearbox fitting but you done pretty good there with them guns ha
A handy tip for these concentric cylinders is to fill it before installing it. compress it, insert its fluid line into brake/clutch fluid. and allow to fill, reinsert cap and youll find youve less bleeding to do later on.
@EricTheCarGuy didnt u do that on a honda odyssey to replace clutch packs?
@Jx1x3 I like your cute little saying, but i think it's been done a bit too much. There is nothing wrong with that and I would do the same thing to a customer vehicle, the difference comes when it's time to interact with the customer, weather you tell them or deny it was you and act dumb. That is what happens when you build a trust with customers and have people who trust what you say. If you say it's fine, they believe you.
Eric, for repairs like this you definately should consider bying a good lift, it really makes things much easier! Otherwise very nice video.
you did a damn good job and getting that trans in so fast by hand !
@foxdmulder Thanks for the tip.
can u use the same tool that u holding the engine to support ur trans,with the seat belt leaving enough slack for safety,then try to doit by hand.
@juicyjayification Thank you very much for that I really appreciate it.
I like it Eric, great job. at about 8:40 I was feeling for you and I'm sure watching the video you wish you could have had that view while you were doing it. Anyway, great work as always.
@ProjectCarTV Lets just say ME being successful pisses some people off.
Done this out in the street..in the rain...in the snow!
Easier ways to do some parts of this job.
It should take about 3 hours to change a clutch in a Focus and that's with only having one set of axle stands, a 30 year old jack, 6 sockets, 2 screwdrivers and a piece of scaffold pipe.
Just changed an Alfa 156 V6 engine with one extra tool...engine lift....ah happy days!
Right so here it is. I had a hell of a job getting my second ever gearbox up into this damn focus. The stupid transmission jack I bought for £100 from Sealey just gets in the damn way. It is either flat or can tilt one side for 5 degree’s. The bottom of this gearbox is not any of those. Then if you use thick foam to cushion the thing, its just another thing to get in the way. You need to be confident of the weight and the lift. Thumbs facing you and firstly zip tie the wiring loom above tight and up away from the area. The reason I had the ultimate problem was simple. After struggling so much getting it from the raised transmission jack and then into place whilst struggling to move the jack away from the area and couldn’t because of the axle stands holding the car, was the clutch had moved. Yep the damn clutch after centering had slipped out of alignment. Curse the bloody thing. I was exhausted. Anyway, so use the grease that comes with the clutch to ease the centre of the thing along the splines. Turn the shaft to have the splines pointing due north and those of the clutch the same. The gearbox fell off the transmission jack. Yep still changes gear though but what a nuisance those jacks are. First time I had an engine noise above lowering down a rope around the gearbox. That in truth was easier than the transmission jack.
I'm having a hard time mating the transmission back to the engine. The subframe is in the way and I don't have the upper body strength to lift it up straight up. Using a jack is just cumbersome and again the subframe keeps getting in the way.
@dealio82 Indeed.
Dîd u take off the bell housing or transmission?
Finally made it to this video. Thank you so much. How can i repay you etcg?
I have a 2007 ford focus Zetec 2.0 manual (72 000 km) and the clutch is very soft but the pick up point is normal. Is it normal to have a soft clutch??
I've had to wrestle the transmission into place before. To be fair, I think your stronger than I am - I was there for an hour! Plus the car wasn't as high off the ground so I couldn't get directly under it - not enough room. Having watched this I had a thought though. If you use a regular/transmission jack JUST to get the trans high enough, you could have used the 2nd hook on the engine support and another strap to support the weight of the trans, assuming you can get a good purchase on it. Then you could loose the jack and have nice, gradual adjustment on the height and nothing in the way underneath. Should be quite easy to ease into place then. Will try that next time I have to do one. Btw, I use big meaty ratchet straps rather than seat belts. The high quality ones with a weight rating WELL above what I need (I think mine are 2 tons).
I just did a clutch on my buddy's 03 Focus SVT. The service manual says to drop the subframe but I managed to get it both out and in without it. You definitely need a transmission jack for that transmission though and alot of swearing and manipulating it
One suggestion would be to replace the axle seals while you have the transmission off. Very easy to do
@gigabyt3r our focus of that era was the rather unfortunate "zetec" 1.4 - 2.0 litre engines
How bad is a bent frame? Is it dangerous to drive with?
do you let your costumers know that you are recording what you do to their cars?
@TheFiratunal Yes no imitations here. :)
Never seen anyone make it look so hard, Michell calls for 6.2 hours. My shop did the whole kit, new FW AND rear main seal in that time.
I will have to do the clutch job on my 2000 ford focus on monday :) thank you eric and I definitely won't shower for a few days before monday lol ;)
Hey eric I attempted to replace my clutch yesterday and when I put the pressure plate onto the flywheel it wasnt sitting flush, so I had to force/bolt it down to the flywheel? Is this normal or should it fit flush and easy when installing? As right now my clutch is not engaging when I push the pedal -_-
Well what you think? Your clutch dosent work so somethink is gone wrong..
Maybe it wasnt the right part.
What size clutch is in 2001 Ford focus lx 4 cylinder 5 speed
@AE86HachiRokuGTS North America never got the EF8 it's called an ED8 CRX.
using a weight bar resting over the over the top of the car, careful not to mess up the fenders, and using rope, I tied up the block and then used more rope to slowly lower and then later raise the transmission. no chance of it dropping on my head, unless my buddy on the rope decides to off me.
Do you even lift?
Hi I have a 02 focus and the trans is different it's a dohc i got trans out now can't get it back it
8:35 is where I always say "dam I hate working on cars" lol
Great when you cut the notch out to give you access great idea
@xlee888 It takes practice and a lack of brains.
Love to see a pro work.
Someone please make a video for what to do when you have left over bolts and can't find a video showing what bolts go where im screwed btw 2001 ford escape manual transmission 2wd clutch replacement idk what to do
is it necessary to change the bolts for the pressure plate?
No.
LOL why is it every time you take a trans out when you go to put it back in, it seems like its two sizes to big. I wrestled with that thing on my chest for 20 minutes before getting in place.
I hear that! I pushed one up and got it stated myself and man it was tough!!!