Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the transaxle. If it's leaking, now would be a very good time to replace the transaxle input shaft seal or torque converter-to-transaxle seal. Remove the pressure plate and clutch disc from manual transaxle equipped vehicles, and check or replace the clutch components. Use a center-punch to make alignment marks on the flywheel/driveplate and crankshaft to ensure correct alignment during reinstallation. Remove the bolts that secure the flywheel/driveplate to the crankshaft; if the crankshaft turns, wedge a screwdriver through the starter opening to jam the flywheel. Carefully remove the flywheel/driveplate from the crankshaft, supporting it while removing the last bolt due to its weight. Clean the flywheel to remove grease and oil, inspecting the surface for cracks, rivet grooves, burned areas, and score marks, with light scoring removable using emery cloth. Check for cracked and broken ring gear teeth, laying the flywheel on a flat surface to check for warpage with a straightedge. Clean and inspect the mating surfaces of the flywheel/driveplate and the crankshaft, replacing the crankshaft rear seal if it is leaking before reinstalling the flywheel/driveplate. Position the flywheel/driveplate against the crankshaft, aligning the marks made during removal, noting that some engines have an alignment dowel or staggered bolt holes for correct installation. Apply thread locking compound to the bolt threads before installation, then wedge a screwdriver through the starter motor opening to keep the flywheel/driveplate from turning while tightening the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. The remainder of installation follows the reverse of the removal procedure.
