Clutch helper spring

[Fassi]

Hello,

My clutch pedal suddenly went stiff after a day of driving and I'm assuming it's the clutch helper spring gone bad. However, at times the clutch pedal will function normally for a few shifts if it gets past what seems to be a sticking point in the spring. Is it possible to simply lube or adjust the helper spring rather than replace it? Otherwise the clutch functions normally and seems to be in good shape.

Thanks

[Jdub]

This reply assumes you are right that it is the helper spring. It could be a number of things, such as the pin that holds the clutch pedal to the rack, etc.

You need to look at the helper spring - do this with safety glasses on (I won't be responsible for a lost eye or worse...). Try to drive the car onto a mismatched surface, such as getting one end up on a curb, and crawl under there. Look for the end of the clutch cable and there is your spring. Look at it and see if it is broken. Have someone work the spring and see if any gaps or broken leaves appear. Spray something in there and poke the brush into the spring to dislodge the crap that gets in there.

This will tell you pretty quick if you have this problem. It could simply be something interfering with the clutch pedal under the wooden board. Hard to say.

John

[john walker's workshop]

a broken spring can also rotate toward the differential housing, and limit the travel of the release lever.