Nissan Repair: 87 stanza wagon clutch, nissan stanza wagon, clutch linkage

Question
Hi Von Sudderth,

I was driving a FWD 87 Nissan Stanza wagon, standard, until the clutch went recently.  I want to drop the transmission and replace the clutch but it has been a long time since I have done either to a car and last time it was on a Minivan working in a shop.  I'm just wondering if you can give me a run down of what I'll need to do and about how long it should take me.  I was going to get a Hayes Manual but I couldn't find one made for the 87 wagon.

Thanks a lot

Answer
Ryan,

To change the clutch on yours it is a little more difficult since it is FWD.  

First jack up the front end and support it with stands
Disconnect the battery
Get block of wood and a jack to support the engine by the oil pan and jack it up where you just the engine mounts unload
Remove the tires and the CV driveshafts.  Get a pan for oil to leak out of the transmission or just drain it before you remove the driveshafts
Remove the starter and the bellhousing bolts
Disconnect the speedometer connection from the transmission and the clutch linkage
Remove the transmission mounts and shifter linkage
Now that everything is loose from the transmission and it is ready to come out of the car get another jack and support the transmission and pull it to the drivers side and once it clears let it down
Remove the clutch cover and then the clutch
Remove the pilot bearing using a pilot bearing tool
Purchase a clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and pilot bushing and new clutch cover bolts.  (DO NOT USE THE OLD BOLTS)  This is important since you do not want the clutch to come loose and do bad things to you and your car as it saws its way out.  
Intsall the new pilot bushing and then put the new clutch in with the correct side facing the flywheel  If your flywheel looks blue and has small cracks it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.
Install the new clutch with the pressure plate using the alignment tool that was provided in the kit.  This is important if you want your transmission to slide back into place without a lot of extra effort.  
Install the new throwout bearing on the shaft and clutch release fork
Celan and lubricate the clutch release fork pivot point and generally clean up inside the bellhousing.  Use a paper mask to do do this as the clutch dust is not good for the lungs (CANCER)  I like to use brake cleaner since it wets things down and keeps dust to a minimum
Put the transmission in and put on the related parts.
If yours has a hydrallic clutch check for leaks at botht eh master and slave cylinders and change the fluid using DOT3.