general info.

[VWWV]

Had my pristine 1996 B4 in repair shop for AC rehabilitation. In order to access the dryer, the shop raised it via the jacking points on an hydraulic lift. When I recovered the car, it rode like a hay wagon. Discovered that the driver's side rear shock had locked in extended position. This car has only 96K gentle Florida miles. I'm not complaining that at 20 years, an OE shock failed. I wish the AC system and door/trunk locks had been as durable. Another effect of the locked shock was a return of the ubiquitous B4 drone. I expect full resumption of the remarkable driving features of this car when the new shock(S) are installed. If you don't have a B4, my sympathy is herewith offered. Simplistic efficiency beats Bling every time. You lucky owners out there will,no doubt, agree.

 

[wildneg]

I just picked up a 96 Passat. Previous two owners had all paperwork of repair work done. Last owner did not. I'm unsure of miles as the cluster is being repaired by Derek. It went out during a cold crank something you may have not experienced in Florida (hah).

He believed it was under 200k miles but time will tell. I heard a lot of great things about the B4 and have a tough choice to make. I bought the car very cheap as it needed a new axle and ball joint. The ball joint broke and caused the axle to pop out. So I bought it cheap to fix it. I finished and now just getting some small things done.

I have a 95 Chevy S10 with the Vortec V6 (manual trans). I always have a little beater to drive around and this is it. It has 158k on it and drives very well. It is a rust bucket of course...

So this Passat is going to get cleaned up once I get the cluster by my brother who does detailing. I think this thing is going to clean up nicely. Pretty much clean as a whistle underneath and just one ding in the back quarter panel. I have a little wobble driving which is probably that tie rod end but will look this weekend. The clutch is original and I have a feeling from driving it... it is going to need replacing soon. So I have to decide if I want to keep this Passat knowing the work it needs and sell the pickup or sell this like I planned.

Transmission work worries me as I heard you have to take out the transmission to replace the clutch assembly. Price of parts isn't that much but the labor by myself may not be worth it. Then posts like this make me think I should keep! Hah.... choices choices choices...

 

[Abacus]

If you are even mildly mechanically inclined the clutch in these is pretty easy.

 

[Col Sanders]

Link to clutch replace on a B4 ? With some pic's .

 

[wildneg]

I did read somewhere and it isn't that bad. Just taking some bolts out of different areas and then suggested a friend help lift the transmission out (from the top). I been debating, believe me. Waiting to see what miles are. Hopefully Derek has that cluster done and I can get it back next week sometime.

Didn't look like any special tools to do it either. So may just end up going that route... time will tell. I have driven the car a few times and I miss my 98 beetle TDI. Even if it was 'fiesta red' ... haha

 

[wildneg]

I'm trying to find that link. I don't think it had any pictures though... it had just the steps but didn't seem bad at all. I need to get the Bentley manual too, I bet that has good info with some pictures.

If you are even mildly mechanically inclined the clutch in these is pretty easy.

Link to clutch replace on a B4 ? With some pic's .

 

[Abacus]

Link to clutch replace on a B4 ? With some pic's .

Transmission removal
Clutch swap

I prefer doing them myself because I will take the extra time and give attention to the details, which can make a big difference in the long run.

 

[Col Sanders]

Thanks, Sir Abacus ! Guess I'll do this, then the wheel bearings. B4 is making me a mechanic, I've even added some new tools to my one screw driver & priers. Oh, almost forgot the BFH.