911 Clutch Question

[ewallace18]

I am new to the forum. I have a 1979 911 that has been in my family since 1985 but is new to me. I am currently using it as a daily driver. It has had work done through the years, including some "clutch work," but I have no details at all.

This morning driving to work I was pulling away from a traffic light. I felt a pop or shudder in the clutch and heard a sound like a piece of metal hitting the concrete below me. I stopped the car and found what looks like half of the horseshoe shaped clutch helper spring. It appears to have snapped in half. I was able to keep driving the car, but the clutch no doubt feels different.

I think I will be able to replace the spring myself. I have reviewed the technical articles and feel fairly confident. I have a couple of questions for the group.

1. based on the articles, I assume that I should replace my clutch cable at the same time?

2. it cutting the remainder of the spring off of the shaft with a Dremel the best way to do it as suggested in the articles?

3. any other tips or tricks that I have missed that would be helpful as I'm ordering the parts, etc?

4. since I am using this car as my daily driver, is it safe for me to continue driving the car until I can complete the repair? obviously I want to avoid any unnecessary damage to the remaining components

Thanks in advance for your help.
Eric

[r lane]

Age and condition of the cable would determine replacement. Cut the old spring off or press it off. Without the spring, you lose your set free play in the clutch pedal. That possibly will cause the release bearing to be engaged. Car can be driven, but would repair as soon as possible. Bob