I have a 2001 V6 Camaro with 5-speed. I was going to replace my clutch. However, I see no possible way to get to the top bell housing bolts. Has anyone been successful at removing them??

John

 

have to let the back of the trans down and get a few long extentions for your socket. at least thats how it is with a auto.

 

The nice person who replied above got me to thinking about something. My bell housing seems right up against the firewall. Looks near impossible to get to those top bolts.

In the beginning yesterday, the back of my transmission dropped quite a bit. Maybe 6-7 inches. After I pulled and pulled on the transmission trying to get the transmission off (incorrectly), I think I may have pulled the motor backwards. Maybe pulled the motor too close to the firewall.

I was under the impression the transmission was to separate from the bell housing. I read the manual closer. The bell house AND the transmission MUST be removed together. I have since bolted the transmission back to the bell housing.

2001 V6 Camaro. Manual Transmission.

After I put the transmission bolts back in, I found the transmission would not move up or down. After reading the above reply, I am pretty sure I pulled the motor backwards.

Maybe all I have to do is loosen the motor mount bolts and slide the motor back forward. As of now, the bell housing bolts are against the firewall near impossible to get to.

John

 

I am not sure what is going on but you did not move the engine backwards. Aging motor mounts can have play up and down but I would say there is less then a 1/8" front to back.

Normally you just remove the cross member for the trans and let that drop. A 30" extension will make quick work of all the bellhousing to engine block bolts.

 

have your tried to lift it up a little to see if you can get room.
heres how the auto looks in the lt1 once its dropped


heres the extentions i had

 

I wonder if he may have tore his motor mounts and now the engine is out of place causing a wedgy, because.......

 

Back to my original post. I did some more checking today. My engine "has not" slid backwards. It is still where it was. The tranny is dropped down the same 6-7 inches. Maybe a little less. I still have no clearance behind the bell housing. Definitely not like in the photo above this post.

I did check my motor mounts. They look in good condition.

I am a pretty fair mechanic. However, I am limited in what I can do. I have the Camaro up on ramps and that is as high as I can get it. I added 4x4 wood under those ramps. Just very limited in this clutch exchange.

Therefore, I have decided to put the car back together and take it to the shop. They have lifts, tranny jacks, and specialty tools. Things I just don't have.

Thanks to those who replied anyway.................