So, we are tryin to pull the trans out of our 03 wrx (long story) and are having trouble getting it to separate from the engine block. We followed the book and from what it says, we should be able to just slide it right out....but its not budging.

 

Any suggestions...or think we may have missed something?

automatic or manual trans?

 

auto - make sure all the torque converter bolts are out.

 

go all the way around and make sure you're not missing a nut or bolt. starter is removed?

 

has it separated at all? they usually take a bit to start coming apart - work you're way around, and around, and around start with a small screw drivers/chisel then move up in size as you get a gap to work with.

Pull type clutch?

 

If so, remove the starter, and unbolt the Pressure plate from the flywheel thorugh thte starter hole.

automatic or manual trans?

 

auto - make sure all the torque converter bolts are out.

 

go all the way around and make sure you're not missing a nut or bolt. starter is removed?

 

has it separated at all? they usually take a bit to start coming apart - work you're way around, and around, and around start with a small screw drivers/chisel then move up in size as you get a gap to work with.

 

sorry, should have mentioned that....its manual. And no, it hasnt separated at ALL! Im not sure if the starter was removed yet. Im not the one working on it, my boyfriend is..so I'll ask him.

Sometimes they just stick together. I usually hit against the flat spot on the block above the starter first, have an old trowl w/o a handle, sharpened blade that I use there between the block and bell housing. Once you get it to crack a bit, putty knives or small screwdrivers work fine to work it apart evenly. Don't feel bad, the '05 I did on Sunday took an hour to work apart.

Be sure you pulled out the clutch cross shaft. It's behind an allen head plug in the trans case next to the starter. Thread a 6mm bolt into it and pull it out.

 

If the engine and trans are stuck together start with the putty knife and hammer and split them, then progress to screwdriver then prybar as they spit apart.

Sometimes they just stick together. I usually hit against the flat spot on the block above the starter first, have an old trowl w/o a handle, sharpened blade that I use there between the block and bell housing. Once you get it to crack a bit, putty knives or small screwdrivers work fine to work it apart evenly. Don't feel bad, the '05 I did on Sunday took an hour to work apart.

 

thanks, man. We'll def try all that tonight...

 

i'll be sure to let you all know how long it took...

Well....its starting to separate. It took about an hour to get it started...Tonight we should be able to finish it.

 

Trans should be in the shop by Monday.....cant wait for it to be fixed!! I miss my baby!!!!!!!

Have them put the '05+ gears in or get an '05+ tranny. The earlier WRX 5 speed's were not real strong.

 

GD

Yeah, def need to pull the shaft for the clutch fork. And check to see if that little plate is still on under the flywheel. If so, take a screwdriver and bend it down, that will get in your way too.

I remember doing a clutch job on a 04 wrx was going nuts trying to seperate it. Spent a good 3-4 hours!!!!!!!

 

Then my friend looked into it and said to remove the clutch fork luckily the screw used to hold one of the covers worked and the shaft came out no issue. When I put it back I lubricated everything.

Have them put the '05+ gears in or get an '05+ tranny. The earlier WRX 5 speed's were not real strong.

 

GD

 

good idea....thanks