'96 Jetta GL Clutch replacment...how difficult?

[pigskin]

First let me post the symptoms. Grinds when shifting into reverse. Hard to get into 1st but no grinding, shifting from 1st thru the rest of the gears goes smoothly. No slipping in any gear at any rpm. Local mechanic says it needs a clutch. I have purchased a clutch kit and I am considering doing it myself. I have a Haynes manual, is it thorough enough for this job?

[Jorge R]

I replaced my clutch and transmission and it was not so bad a job. What you need is to have all the replacement parts on hand and the tools to do the job with.
It is recommended to replace the drive flange seals, they tend to leak, and replace the tranny main drive shaft and clutch rod seals, it is recommended. For the engine, you may want to replace the rear main seal, not difficult to do.
New flywheel bolts will be required for they are stretch bolts and require replacing.
Changin alll the seals and clutch can take me about 12 hours, replacing the clutch only can take you about 10 hours. I would say a day and a half.
Tools needed is an engine hoist or engine support bar, torque wrench, bailing wire to hold the drive shafts out of the way, jack stands, floor jack.
To replace the drive flange seals, a 1/4" by about 6" thick steel bar with holes drilled is needed and bolts and nuts that fit the drive flange to extract and reinstall them.
I found the most difficult part of the job was rounding up all the tools and negotiating the transmission in and out of its place. I replaced the clutch and transmission first, then replaced the transmission again cause it was faulty, did the basic job twice, replacing the transmission only took me about 8 hours. Replacing the clutch and tranny along with all the seals involved was about 18 hours. My skill level with no VW experience as do it yourself mechanic. It was a process but enjoyed the experience. An assistant can come in handy at times.

[savin $]

Thanks for the info/encouragement it is helpfull.

Any estimate on cost of complete clutch/seal replacement?

Any recomendation on parts manufacturer?

...I think I'm goin' in.

[Doug Tatham]

There are lots of places to order parts online. I generally go with sasponline.com, but there are many many others.