How do you replace a clutch on 02 Kia Optima?

Answer 1

If it's anything like the 05, the trick is to remove the lever for the release fork before removing the transmission. This is because the clutch plate and release bearing becomes attached to each other. This is a pull type clutch pressure plate. Meaning that the release bearing fits into a clip that is part of the pressure plate assembly. Once you press the clutch pedal, the release bearing pulls the clutch pressure plate towards the transmission, allowing the clutch disc to be released from the engine flywheel. Once you remove the atuator arm, the pivot for the release shaft is free to rotate to release the release bearing from the fork. You should see the release bearing still attached to the pressure plate once the transmission is removed. Oh, one more thing, you will have to remove the subframe in order to gain access to the transmission for removal. My car has a 4 cylinder by the way. Oh there is one more thing. You have to reinstall the release lever to the release fork arm before installing transmission. If you fail to do this, the release arm may rotate without you being aware, therefore the release bearing will become dislodged from the release fork. That is the most critical step for reinstallation.