Hey all, just started to change the clutch on my 5 mk1 1.8 got the exhaust off and having some trouble in removing the stiffner bar that goes from the gearbox to the diff, any help or experiences in this would be greatful, removed bolts from gearbox housing and on diff but stiffner still seems to be attatched at the diff end! Is there any particular way to get it off as it loooks like there is a press in threaded tube that is stationary. HELP
With the gearbox end undone, you can push the frame[PPF] to one side, enough to get the gearbox out
If this is the one on top of the diff: screw the long bolt back in until it’s only a thread or two from being done up, tap on the head of the bolt to push the threaded insert up out of the PPF. Unscrew the bolt until the PPF falls on your head.
For info, Mazda say if the threaded collars in the top of the PPF are removed, the PPF must be replaced. I have removed and refitted them as Captain Muppet has described with no adverse affects though.