Hi, my name's Matt and I live in olympia, wa.
I'm going to be doing a clutch/flywheel job on my FC in a couple weeks.

I know it's ALOT easier with tools for the flywheel removal/pilot bearing removal/ and that HUGE NUT that holds it all together. does anyone have some that I could borrow/rent for a couple days - or know of a place that could supply them temporarily ?

I'd be willing to drive an hour or so away to pick them up, what do you guys think?
any ideas - let me know, or call me at 360 359 0968

 

NA or Turdblow?

 

If you're interested, we sell the genuine Mazda pilot bearing puller for $99 plus shipping. If you just want to rent one, you pay the $99 (plus $8.10 shipping, unless you pick it up) as a deposit, then when you return the tool undamaged, we refund $75. If you buy your clutch from us, the tool rental is free (full refund of deposit). We can get anything from an inexpensive stock-replacement aftermarket clutch to full-bore race clutch.

Unless you are removing the flywheel for resurfacing or to replace the rear main seal, you can leave it in place. Just scuff up the surface with emory cloth and wash it down with brake cleaner. If you must remove it, Racing Beat makes an inexpensive 3-foot long wrench (~$30, IIRC) and stopper bar that is pretty handy. I used one once about 6 years ago and it worked admirably. Then I loaned it out and never saw it again. Definitely replace the engine rear main seal if you get in there. Heat up the nut really good to kill the loctite and silicone, before you even bother wrenching on it. If you are getting the flywheel resurfaced, try to get another flywheel that you can have machined in advance, so you can simply pull one flywheel and swap on the other on-the-spot.

While you are in there, it's a good idea to replace not only the pilot bearing but also the throwout bearing. We recommend use of the turbo throwout bearing, since it works on all transmissions and is MUCH heavier duty. Also, replace the front and rear main seals for the transmission, and front gasket too. Very often, the bolts for the tranny front cover are only hand-tight, so at least re-torque them.

Doing the job right is expensive, but oh-so-reasuring to know you don't have to get back in there any time soon!

 

since you are in oly.... you should check out our izzy pizza nights. evey second monday at 7pm. we do alot of stuff around here. www.nopistons.com is a good place to see what we all do. i do have the socket to remove the nut you can borrow. all you need to do is take it to a shop ( import auto, les shwaab, discount tires) and most likely they will twist it off for you for nothin. i'll give you a call some time and say hi. i'm gettin my boat ready right now.

 

thanks kettleman. I've met you a couple times. I stopped by your house in the meadows, i used to live on pinedrop dr, you might remember me, I'm the blonde kid with the blue rx7 - I stopped by once looking for a spare seat -

anyway - give me a call, I actuall work at the discount tire up in Lakewood - were you suggesting using the air guns at work to wrench the flywheel nut off?

what about keeping the flywheel stationary while youre trying to get that nut off any suggestions?

 

with a good air gun you don't have to. it just comes off. this has to be the first time i've seen you post.

 

yep, I'm the loser thaqt just searches and reads, but hardly ever posts ; P give me a call sometime kettleman, I'm going to be doing the flywheel on the 28th/29th

 

k will. i'm goin to spokane the 29th for a BBQ. gonna be a blast. http://www.nopistons.com/forums/inde...howtopic=63184

so i'll get ahold of you soon and let you borrow it.