[taduniversalco]

About to do my first clutch job on an 03 1.9 Jetta TDI.
Seems reasonable to do the rear main seal and maybe the differential seals. I want to do it right in a minimal cost. I found a great thread that led me here but then oops it ran into a problem. I would love to find the end of the step by step discussion for transmission removal.
All help is greatly appreciated

 

[odonnelljohn633]

About to do my first clutch job on an 03 1.9 Jetta TDI.
Seems reasonable to do the rear main seal and maybe the differential seals. I want to do it right in a minimal cost. I found a great thread that led me here but then oops it ran into a problem. I would love to find the end of the step by step discussion for transmission removal.
All help is greatly appreciated

Removing the transmission requires the use of a hoist to keep the engine in place before you remove the transmission. And if your going to replace the rear main seal it may be prudent to replace the front seal too. That said are all the seals you mention leaking? A lot of work! Make sure you have all the proper tools before you start the project and a source of genuine VW parts. And do you have a copy of the Bentley service manual for your car, valuable info for re-assembly. Best of luck to you.

 

[David A. McDow]

About to do my first clutch job on an 03 1.9 Jetta TDI.
Seems reasonable to do the rear main seal and maybe the differential seals. I want to do it right in a minimal cost. I found a great thread that led me here but then oops it ran into a problem. I would love to find the end of the step by step discussion for transmission removal.
All help is greatly appreciated

This is a pretty thorough / concise how-to: VW MK4 Clutch Kit Installation Instructions . It's worked for me with a couple of tweaks.

 

[UhOh]

For sure, it's a good time to replace seals when you've got things torn apart like this. BUT... the reality is is that if seals aren't leaking then there's really no reason to replace them. There's a risk to creating a leak via improper installation. I'd certainly not advocate for replacing front and real seals just because. I recently changed the front crank seal in my car when doing the TB. Getting that seal out was a big PITA.

Be aware that valve cover leaks and such can infiltrate the rear clutch housing area and make it appear that the main seal is leaking.

Again, if it AIN'T leaking don't touch (but, if you insist then make sure you guarantee your own work- that is, be prepared to pull everything apart and re-do if you don't get it right; this is where having a shop do such work can often be a good idea).

 

[UhOh]

Oh! Engine bar and adjustable straps. Look for a thread on this: either this forum or TDIclub.com. That's how I do it. Plenty of write-ups out there on the procedure. Not complicated; but, having the right tools and ample time will allow for the best outcome.