Manual Transaxle Assembly

Removal & Installation

To Remove:

1. Drain the transaxle fluid.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray.
3. Remove the air cleaner assembly.
4. Disconnect the transaxle control cables.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
6. Remove the starter without disconnecting the wiring and secure the starter out of the way.
7. Remove the clutch release cylinder without disconnecting the fluid line.
8. Remove the upper transaxle to engine mounting bolts.
9. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the strut.
10. If equipped, disconnect the wheel speed sensor.
11. Remove the brake hose clamp.
12. Disconnect the tie rod from the knuckle.
13. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the knuckle.
14. Remove both front axle shafts from the transaxle.
15. Remove the bellhousing cover.
16. Remove the center member assembly.
17. Remove the rear roll stopper.
18. Jack up the transaxle slightly and remove the transaxle mount bracket.
19. Remove the transaxle mount stopper.
20. Install an engine support fixture to the engine.
21. Perform the following to disconnect the release bearing from the clutch.
    • Remove the service hole plug at the clutch housing. Do not insert the screwdriver before pushing the release fork to the "A" direction.
    • Insert a flat-tipped screwdriver into space between the release bearing and the wedge collar while pushing the release fork to the "A" direction.
    • Twist the screwdriver to release the bearing. If the bearing will not release easily, remove the screwdriver, and push the release fork to the "A" direction two or three times and try again. If the clutch release bearing is pried forcibly, it will be damaged.

    Clutch release bearing disengagement

    NOTE: Once the bearing is disengaged, the release fork will move to the "B" direction because of the return spring.

22. Remove the lower transaxle to engine mounting bolts.
23. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle.

To Install:

1. Raise the transaxle to the engine and install the lower transaxle to engine mounting bolts.

   Release bearing engagement

2. Install the transaxle mount stopper and bracket. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
3. Move the release bearing lever to engage the release bearing with the wedge collar.
4. Install the bell housing cover.
5. Install the rear roll stopper. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
6. Install the center member assembly.
7. Remove the engine support fixture.
8. Install the axle shaft with new retaining clips.
9. Connect the lower ball joint to the knuckle.
10. Connect the tie rod to the knuckle.
11. Install the brake hose and speed sensor wire in the original location.
12. Connect the stabilizer link to the strut.
13. Install the upper transaxle to engine mounting bolts.
14. Install the clutch release cylinder.
15. Install the starter.
16. Connect the harness connectors.
17. Connect the transaxle control cables to the transaxle.
18. Install the air cleaner assembly.
19. Install the battery tray and battery.
20. Refill the transaxle with the proper amount of fluid.
21. Allow the vehicle weight to rest on the suspension and then tighten the rear roll stopper and transaxle mount bolts.