1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1980 Flywheel removal help

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Old Sep 2, 2018 | 08:35 PM
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Question 1980 Flywheel removal help

I cannot seem to remove this darn thing.
Took off the 54mm flywheel bolt no problem, then proceeded to lightly smack the top left corner of the flywheel where it mates with the clutch. Hit it harder and harder all around, nothing. Had a friend that tried to pry it off while I smacked it with both a mallet and metal hammer as hard as I could, nothing. Even rigged up a disc caliper tool and try to pry it off that way, that only removed the whole gear attached to the flywheel. This thing is on there and I don't know what to do anymore. I wave my white flag.
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Old Sep 3, 2018 | 07:47 AM
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Get a 3lb sledge hammer and wack it hard. Keep the nut threaded on a few threads as the flywheel will tend to pop off. Don't hit it on the surface area of course, on the upper portion like you have been. Trust me, it will come off but you will need a bigger hammer.
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Old Sep 3, 2018 | 07:22 PM
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You can also use a puller. It is easy to make one from a 1/2 inch thick steel bar with 3 holes drilled in it, and use the 10mm threaded holes in the flywheel. You can tighten that on to put some pressure on it, and then use the prybar and hammer as well.
They can be stubborn if they have not been off before. You will get it.
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Old Sep 3, 2018 | 08:06 PM
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If the puller isn't the correct size, you risk damaging the pilot bearing/needles. The tap method works best. Just go around the outside tapping it with a 3 lb hammer.
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Old Sep 3, 2018 | 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
Get a 3lb sledge hammer and wack it hard. Keep the nut threaded on a few threads as the flywheel will tend to pop off. Don't hit it on the surface area of course, on the upper portion like you have been. Trust me, it will come off but you will need a bigger hammer.
I infinitely prefer a deadblow hammer over a sledge for stubborn flywheels, brake discs, etc.
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 05:35 AM
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Mazdatrix made a nice writeup on the flywheel removal years ago with a video. Here is a link to their writeup.: Flywheel Removal
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 11:41 AM
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I use a big brass hammer - never fails.
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 03:05 PM
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Thanks for the info guys. Although I removed the flywheel before a moderator approved my post. I didn’t have a big hammer, I was out of options. I looked over to my spare driveshaft and thought, “when in doubt, whack it with the driveshaft”. A few good Babe Ruth swings and that puppy was off. I might need a new flywheel now, oh well.
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