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Flex disc shouldn't be more than half hour labour if that, but they will probably charge you at least an hour. It is a simple R&R job. Are you having symptoms of failure? If it is the original disc on there it is probably time.
In reality, it will only take them 10 minutes or so since they have the bottom pans off and working with air tools
i can't remember if t is covered by any bellyplate, I have not removed mine on this car. I don't believe it is. But it is hard to really see if the rubber is tearing etc while it is installed. You almost have to remove it to inspect it and then you have it out anyhow. That is why I was asking if you have symptoms of it failing.
I know the front one, at the transmission, is easily accessible. I think there is a heat shield that has to be removed to get to the rear one. They are not too hard to remove (I just removed the front one when I pulled the transmission). Watch the bolts and their orientation - they are different for the connection to the prop shaft vs. the transmission and differential. As for inspecting them just look for dried-out looking rubber and cracks. There may be some "lines", but you should not see cracks or any of the nylon reinforcement cords coming out.
Generally, you would be able to see the cracks without removing the discs. Also, look for deformed areas where the bolts go through. But removal is fairly easy:
Don't let the "remove exhaust system" step scare you. You can access the front flex disc without doing that, and on the rear, all you need to do is disconnect the rear section, just downstream of the Y pipe, and you can probably move it out of the way enough to access the everything.
Flex disc shouldn't be more than half hour labour if that, but they will probably charge you at least an hour. It is a simple R&R job. Are you having symptoms of failure? If it is the original disc on there it is probably time.
In reality, it will only take them 10 minutes or so since they have the bottom pans off and working with air tools
There are 2 flex discs, right? 30 minutes for both? Is one more difficult to replace than the other?
Yes, two - see my WIS doc linked in my post above. I checked ASRA - shop rates list both at 4.7 hours total. I think this is due to needing to remove the exhaust and the rear engine (transmission) mount cross member. If you do this, I'd also suggest replacing the rear engine (transmission) mount, while you've got it all disconnected.
I did replace the engine and transmission mounts 2 years ago.
Should the 2 flex discs be changed together? Problem is I would probably not see the difference after the change.
Yes, two - see my WIS doc linked in my post above. I checked ASRA - shop rates list both at 4.7 hours total. I think this is due to needing to remove the exhaust and the rear engine (transmission) mount cross member. If you do this, I'd also suggest replacing the rear engine (transmission) mount, while you've got it all disconnected.
Damn, sounds like a lot of work for DIY. Don't like the part about exhaust removal.
Other than that is doable.
You do not need to remove the exhaust to access the front flex disc. You will need to remove the transmission mount, which means you will need to support the transmission. Although overkill for this job, Harbor Freight sells this:
With their usual 20% coupon, it's $80 and a good tool to have.
For the rear flex disc, you only need to remove the rear section of the exhaust - break it right behind the "Y". Then, as I said, you may be able to just push it out of the way for access. If not, then that transmission jack would work to support the exhaust for removal.
Oh, that's better. So, when we should replace it? Given that you have to perform such talk I would replace them right the way. Symptoms? Time frame? Mileage?
The flex discs really only need replacement when (if) they begin to show signs of damage. Honestly, failure is rare. There are cars on the road with 200K and more with perfectly good flex discs.
The only part you need to remove to inspect the flex discs is the exhaust heat shield at the rear (part 105c in the WIS doc I posted earlier). The front can be inspected without removing anything. You only need to remove the transmission support and exhaust pipe for access to REPLACE the flex discs.
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