My clutch has started slipping. Now *I* am in trouble. I am in DC and do
not yet trust any mechancis here.

1. The microfiche seems to indicate that I need a special clutch for vans
after a 89 production year, but that this clutch is the same clutch as for
the 2WD.  (My syncro part numbers are the same as for 2WD for all three
pieces, but I thought Dennis told me the syncro hub was beefier than a 2WD
hub so all I can figure is that all post-89 vans uses the beefier hubs. The
fiche seems to specify LUK brand, but Sachs seems to be more prevelant as
aftermarket supply. It also seems people are avoiding older Canadian Sachs
clutches. Anyway, what clutch should I get? What did *you*I get?

2. I have been in the archives, and see reason to order: clutch, pressure
plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing, felt washers for pilot bearing.
What else should I order if I want to have all parts on hand? The manual
specifies Ms02 grease. What is that? I have a transmission jack and a
garage. Nobody uses special tools for this sort of job, I gather.

3. There was some discussion awhile back about the throwout bearing being a
beetle bearing from all aftermarket suppliers, but that possibly the dealer
throwout bearing might have a larger mating surface. Does this make sense?

Any help, offers of clutch parts, thoughts, URLs of instructions, etc. are
appreciated. I want to get this job done before August 15 and I am
terrified. Though I was under warranty and didn't have to pay for it, the
last clutch change I got cost about $7,000 because the guy boobed the job
(messed up the transmission hanging it off the input shaft). I feel like
doing it myself this time though I wouldn't be suprised if it was a 15 hour
job.

There is nothing in the microfiche called a pilot bearing.

My first instinct is to drive to Long Island and have Dennis Haynes's shop
take care of it, but I don't know if I would make it.

________________________________________________________
Derek Drew                              New York, NY & Washington, DC
drew@interport.net
'90 Syncro Westfalia...
...seen off-road at http://www.tiu.net/~des/vw/drew/index.html

        Also seen at: http://www.pipeline.com/~tforhan/swrange.htm
                     http://4wd.sofcom.com/VW/snow.html
                     http://www.pipeline.com/~tforhan/swmassn.htm
                     http://4wd.sofcom.com/VW/Campers/Campers.html

        Note: most valuable Vanagon sites on the planet (for owners) are:
                    http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?S1=vanagon
                    ftp://gerry.vanagon.com/pub/