What size bolt is holding the front pulley on? and what is the best way to remove it? I have heard people say to crank the starter....



Also what about the Oil Cooler Lines? Anyone know what size Wrench I need there?



Also this info about the front thrust bearing... is that for real? I need to push the clutch in while I do this... I don't quite understand how pushing the clutch is will help.



http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/pulley.htm



So do I replace these bearings while the front cover is off?



Thanks, DAC

 

Don't know about the bolt size (but probably on the order of a 22mm), but if you have a manual tranny, you could try this first:

Put it in 5th. Put 1/2 inch breaker bar on bolt, with a 3 foot cheater bar. Pull like a motherfawker.



If the breaker bar snaps, then you need to use the starter option. Put breaker bar on bolt, with cheater, and set the handle against something on the drivers side, even the fender edge, just put a folder towel under it to protect the paint. Pull the EFI fuse, and crank. It should break loose within half of a second, just just blip it. Sounds like a cat dying in there, but it works.



Harder part is getting that bolt back ON

 

I am 99% sure that it is 19mm



If the engine is out of the car, stand it up vertical.

Just use a breaker bar and a long *** piece of pipe, it should work, granted you don't break the wrenh.



If its in the car use the method mentioned above.



Good Luck!

 

the oil line banjo fittings are 23mm :-)......PM Dj Blu about the scar on my hand from the oil line fittings

 

I am positive that its a 19mm. I just used about a 2-3ft breaker bar, its pretty easy to do ( have had to take that damn bolt off about 5 times lately ).

 

How about that whole wedging the Clutch thing?



Is that something I need to worry about?



I am changing my front cover.

 

the thrust bearing issue is real so you have to keep the clutch pressed the entire time.



the way it works is the TO bearing thrusts the clutch towards the engine, this pressure has to be maintained throughout the entire time the front bolt is off. This keeps the eccentric shaft from sliding back (towards rear of car) when the bolt is off, increasing the likelihood of the thrust bearing falling off the spacer, and getting pinched when you go to torque it all back together.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate it..

 

Need more help... How do I hold the motor to get that bolt off?



The motor is in the CAR. The car is in GEAR.. Brakes on.



The Driveline just binds and the car tried to run me over when I turn the nut.



I had this problem on my Audi Quatro and had to buy a $$$SNAP ON$$$ special wrench to keep the motor from turning.

 

The only way I could break mine loose was to use a chain wrench to hold the main pulley still while using a 3 foot breaker bar on the bolt.