97 OBW, AT

 

I think there are 4 bolts and someone here has mentioned that one of them is hard to get to and a flexible extension is needed. Before I go to sears, how long of a flex ext is long enough?

 

I'm imagining the kind of ext that is about 6" long and is made from course wire rope. Or are we talking about a "wobble", or jointed extension?

 

Ryan

97 OBW, AT

 

I think there are 4 bolts and someone here has mentioned that one of them is hard to get to and a flexible extension is needed. Before I go to sears, how long of a flex ext is long enough?

 

I'm imagining the kind of ext that is about 6" long and is made from course wire rope. Or are we talking about a "wobble", or jointed extension?

 

Ryan

 

The one that's particularly hard to get is the bottom driver's side one.

I dont think a flexible cable will get enough leverage down there.

I used a «wobble» joint, but I dont remember the exact set up I used.

Good luck

I used a swivel head with a 14MM socket on a 8 inch extension sitting a 1/2 inch Drive

Ok thanks guys. I'm sure I can put something together.

I use a 3/8 wobble(about 6") often into another longer extension(about 8") and a standard(short) 14mm socket. I have the advantage of having the car in the air and this helps get leverage.

 

It is the lower left bolt(nut actually) that's the problem. Like I said often I just break loose the lower right nut and then run it off from above.

 

Dave

I often punch out the pins on the axles and slide the inner DOJ all the way out on the splines. That way you get a better angle on the two lower nuts usign 3/8 drive.

I often punch out the pins on the axles and slide the inner DOJ all the way out on the splines. That way you get a better angle on the two lower nuts usign 3/8 drive.

 

Good idea.

 

BTW does the starter have to come off all the way or just the "top" bolt?

Good idea.

 

BTW does the starter have to come off all the way or just the "top" bolt?

 

Just the top bolt. Starter stays bolted to the Trans.

Just the top bolt. Starter stays bolted to the Trans.

 

Sweet!

FYI I'm doing an engine removal right now and can't get that nut off. I'm afraid my 14mm and wobble is gonna round it off. I just made a call to borrow a 3.8 impact 14mm swivel. Occasionally I have to do this. It's not just access - often this nut is tight.

 

The stud on the lower pass side is actually pretty rusty. Not used to seeing that and I do a decent amount of these year cars. I'll wait until I drop the exhaust to work on it.

 

I also broke off an exhaust stud. Too lazy to heat it, wirebrushed the stud, PB Blaster, etc. but it still broke. I figured I'll never use this 97 2.5 with 109k anyways. Has a noise in the bottom end on startup for a few seconds then it never totally goes away. Sounds like more than piston slap so it's getting a 2.2

 

Dave

Good idea.

 

BTW does the starter have to come off all the way or just the "top" bolt?

 

Are you pulling the engine or the trans?

 

For the engine, the starter can stay in place.

To pull the trans, you need to remove the starter.

Are you pulling the engine or the trans?

 

For the engine, the starter can stay in place.

To pull the trans, you need to remove the starter.

 

I'm attempting the engine.