200 TDi gearbox / clutch removal job done.

I've just changed the clutch on my 200 TDi and all went smoothly . I would like to point out to others attempting this task that I found the use of a simple tip of great help , this is it :- I cut 4 lengths of M10 stud bar into 25cm lengths , once you remove the 4 lower gearbox to engine bolts just screw in the lengths of stud ( threaded ) bar using 2 nuts locked together to give some purchase if unable to screw in by hand .
Once all 4 stud bars are in place continue to proceed to remove the gearbox as per workshop manual instructions .When you come to actually split the box from the engine , the box just slides along the stud bars and does not need supporting that end , also when replaceing the box the stud bars are ideal for getting the box into the correct alignement position etc , before pushing into the engine spigot . I managed to change the clutch with no help required using just a trolley jack and bottle jack .

Great tip,

Hope I don't need to use it for a while though

Cheers,

Andy

I was in the middle of nowhere on a weekend when I changed my clutch, I did not have the studs you mentioned and just heaved the tranfer box in place........................those of you who know me will know I am still waiting for an operation to stitch the tendon back together, meanwhile physiotherapy five days a week (bloody painful but I don't cry.......much) and thats just to keep the arm moving in readines for the op!!

They are damned heavy on your own so use the abiove tip.

regards

Dave