So I'm trying to change my clutch, and have come to the stage where I need to lower the front subframe, yet I cannot get the bolts loose. I have no access to air tools, have tried using electric impact wrenches, and have tried using a 5-foot cheater bar to no avail. I thought I had loosened one, but instead I twisted the head off of the breaker bar

Can I just remove the motor mounts and lower the engine/transmission to access the upper bellhousing bolts?

 

One my friends who works for Honda removes the engine mount to get the top bolts and does clutch jobs in three hour or less.

 

Did you try soaking those bolts / threads in PB Blaster or something similar?

 

Ingersol Rand 20v lithium ion 1/2 drive impact.

No subframe bolt stands a chance

 

I'll put my Milwaukee Fuel 1/2" up against it. Cordless tool wars!

In all seriousness though, the new cordless tools are amazing. My Milwaukee is more powerful than my 1300ft-lb air gun. It sounds like the bolt is seized though. I have done a few clutch jobs where I didn't lower the subframe. You can place a jack or screw lift under the front of the engine and get it at enough of an angle so you can get to the top transmission bolts and get the trans out.

 

All the knowledgeable guys that do lots of clutch jobs seem to use the lower the subframe method. But everyone that uses the remove motor mounts and tilt engine method seems to be able to get done much faster.

What is the disadvantage of tilt engine method?

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Engine tilt. I tried to drop the subframe to get to the front bolts, but I couldnt even get close to them, nor could I get the trans back on. Pulled the motor mount and boom, job done.

 

Thanks guys. I don't know who torqued these when the new subframe was installed, but even with my new 3/4" breaker bar I'm starting to worry about breaking the bolts

 

I had actually been looking at one of these. Maybe it's time?!

 

So I pulled the trans last night. I tried the engine tilt method, and it worked fine.

I removed 3 of the 4 bracket to block motor mount bolts on each side, and pivoted motor on remaining bolt (which I loosened).

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