How to Change the Throwout Bearing in a WRX Subaru
The Subaru WRX’s throw out bearing allows for the clutch to engage properly. It also helps the transmission shift gears easily so as not to grind. Whenever it wears out you will want to replace it so as not to deal with missed shifts or a damaged transmission.
Things That You Will Need
- A socket set
- An assortment of screwdrivers
- A set of box-end wrenches
- Engine degreaser
- A pair of pliers
- Wheel ramps
- Jack stands
- A floor jack
- Drive your car onto a set of wheel ramps and set your parking brake.
- Use a floor jack to jack up the rear end of the car and place it on jack stands.
- Mark the drive shaft yoke ends.
- Loosen the drive shaft bolts so that you can remove and set it aside.
- Put the floor jack underneath of your engine’s oil pan.
- Unscrew and remove the bolts on the clutch bell housing.
- Lower the transmission jack.
- Slide the transmission to the rear so that you can remove it.
- Loosen the mounting bolts gradually. Use a diagonal pattern so that you don’t distort the pressure plate.
- Clean all of the mating surfaces and the bearing area.
- Inspect the pressure plate to make sure that there isn’t any scoring, groves or chips. Make sure that its surface is smooth.
- Inspect the flywheel to make sure that there aren’t any rivet groves, warping or gouging. Make sure that all of the teeth on the flywheel are in good shape.
- Use a screwdriver to release and detach the retainer spring clip assembly.
- Remove the withdrawal lever, the clutch release bearing (a.k.a. throwout bearing) and the hub assembly.
- Inspect the withdrawal lever to make sure that there aren’t any cracks or damage.
- Press the new bearing into place. Make sure that you only put pressure on the center of the bearing race.
- Reassemble your Subaru in just the opposite way that you just disassembled it.