Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

[kmk_7110]

The escort is a 95 2dr hatchback standard. I'm looking at buying it from someone on craigslist.com but he says it needs a new clutch. I am mechanically inclined but have never done something like a clutch. How easy/hard would it be to do and could it be done in a quick weekend? The car is cheap and low miles but has the one problem of the clutch. I'm just wondering if it could be done on the weekend by a novice mechanic(oil changes alternator small stuff)? Would there be any special tools needed like special ford tools or anything? Thanks for the help.

 

[mrfixitman40]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

a clutch isn't a hard job but you need to be creative if the tools aren't available. tools being a transverse bar to hold the motor and a jack to hold the trans. mostly everything else is simple . a new clutch kit should have the alignment tool in it. don't know if i would want to do it on the ground the car will need supported pretty high in the air to get the trans out.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

On the ground is a PITA, could be done, probably not in a weekend by a novice.

First get a service manual.

Need jack stands,patience, short 2"x4"s, patience,drain pan (for diff fluid), patience, floor jack, patience.

Don't exactly remember but I think you need to slide a deep socket into the differential after pulling the first axle and then remove the other axle or the gears will drop down.

 

[j442w30]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

Replacing a clutch for a novice is a lot of work, I replaced one in a Chevy Cavalier last summer and the hardest part for we was just getting the transmission out. You'll need something to support the engine while the transmission is out, CV joint pullers, and a socket large enough the remove the nut that holds the CV joints to the hubs. Once you get the transmission out replacing the clutch is the easy part and when you do it just get an entire clutch kit (pressure plate, disc, and slave cylinder). Oh yeah and a manual is a must! Good Luck, I'm glad I ended up doing mine myself.

 

[jimr]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

On the ground is a PITA, could be done, probably not in a weekend by a novice.

First get a service manual.

Need jack stands,patience(BEER), short 2"x4"s, patience
(BEER),drain pan (for diff fluid), patience(BEER), floor jack, patience(BEER).

Don't exactly remember but I think you need to slide a deep socket into the differential after pulling the first axle and then remove the other axle or the gears will drop down.

Is a 95 escort really worth putting any major work into?

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

The best advice given is to "get the service manual" Get it. read it(several times if you need to) untill you fully understand the repair instructions . If you cant do this dont start the project.You can buy 95 escorts that operate ok all day long for approx 1000 bucks or less. I would not spend any more than 4 to 5 hundred max.

 

[Hoss the Hermit]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

Personally, I would buy beer and call a cab. If you get the Escort, you'll still need beer, and you'll still need a cab most of the time. I grew up a "Ford Guy", and still am to a point, but find the Escort pretty much like the Pinto. Good idea, lousy execution

 

[JCF350]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

The best advice given is to "get the service manual" Get it. read it(several times if you need to) untill you fully understand the repair instructions . If you cant do this dont start the project.

When (early 80's) I was a part time Marine engines instructor, if a student asked a question and the answer was found in the manual they got a failing grade for that day.

The full time instructor set his program up this way and daily grades figured into the final grade (along with written test scores, skills test, tools testing plus a couple other things that escape my memory).

BTW I learned marine engines from the same guy.

 

[kmk_7110]

Re: Clutch Replacement on a 95 Escort

Well, I've decided not to buy it or put the money into it. Much of this decision was helped by this forum. My father decided to fix my car with my help. Thanks Everyone