Workshop Q&A Helpdesk

Steve Rothwell answers more of your technical questions, ranging from a Ford autobox to an unstoppable Marina.

QI

am shortly going to replace the clutch on my 1959 Rover 105S and was hoping you could point me in the right direction. There appears to be insufficient room to remove the gearbox from below, and I was hoping that this doesn’t mean I need to remove the engine. I have replaced the clutch on various vehicles in the past, but this is the first time I have had to carry out such a major task on my Rover.

Bruce Chesterfield A

The removal of the gearbox on the Rover 105S is undertaken from within the vehicle. This means you will need to remove the front seats and the carpet to then remove the front floor panels. The gearbox is still tightly fitted between the chassis rails, but I always find that working from above once the interior is removed is a more relaxed experience. The gear change, propshaft and speedo drive should also be accessible from within the vehicle. You won’t need to remove the engine, but you will need to support it before removing the gearbox, and you will also need to ensure that when drawing the gearbox back from the engine, the weight of the gearbox is not allowed to hang on the clutch. Also ensure that the interior of the vehicle is well protected from any grime on the gearbox as it is removed.

Taking time to ensure the new clutch is lined up correctly will always be beneficial and can save a lot of time and effort when re-fitting the gearbox. Remember that the bronze spigot bearing should also be replaced, and that this should be soaked in oil before fitting to ensure optimum performance.