Wretched Wrenches....

I learned with my first vehicle that I could do better mechanical work than most mechanics. Then, as now, I have more time than money, so I continue to work on my vehicles.

This week's project is replacing a bearing in the clutch of my car, having died last fall. Spring break was my first good chance to have a go at it.

For you Dad:

The part on the left is the $40 OEM replacement, the part on the right is the aftermarket piece that bent, and tore. I'd estimate that OEM bearing is 30% heavier than the cheapo aftermarket piece.

This is the transmission.


This is the engine compartment, sans transmission. That round piece (oval from this angle) further away from the camera is the clutch assembly, bolted to the flywheel of my engine.


Some information on how clutches work:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/at-4.htm
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch3.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clutch

Why fix it myself, and loose 7 months? Well, the car is too old to spend $$ on, but still worth too much to send to the junkyard.

Now, after I get this car running, I get to redo the rear axle on my 4Runner. Is the work ever done?