I Hey folks - I’m in the process of doing a clutch replacement on my ‘04 r53. There’s a lot of oil in/around the bell housing (now removed) and I want/need to clean both inside and out before reinstalling. I’m assuming it’s bad to get any water or cleaning solution inside where the gears are. There is a hole on the side of the case where the driver side axel goes in? Am ok just stuffing some shop towel in that hole to prevent fluids from getting in? My plan was to get some engine degreaser and a bunch of those small plastic rushes and go to town and then rinse out with a hose. Any thoughts/advice here much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I wouldn't use the hose, I don't think. I'd probably use a can or two of carb cleaner and lots of rags. Less economical, and more work, but you have more control over what goes where.

 

Brake cleaner and a small brush. That's how I've done mine a couple weeks ago, I just tilted the transmission a bit so everything was draining out and not going torward the shaft seal just to be sure.

 

+1
As for water, go to the garden bib, turn the valve handle all the way to the right until it's tight, and coil up the hose properly, at least 20 feet from the car. You're now ready to begin cleaning the bell housing.

 

Lol - got it. Thanks folks!