Clutch cable

adamred · adamred's Garage

I had my clutch and clutch cable done about 6 weeks ago, just wondering if with a new cable I should expect that it will stretch and need to be readjusted or do they remain relatively stable.

I've just noticed that since being replaced that perhaps the clutch action is getting a bit stiff again after a month or so of easy action or perhaps my leg is getting used to it....

Thanks.
Adam

john walker's workshop · 05-21-2003, 09:34 AM

readjust as needed. some stretch will occur. does the pedal cluster still have the old nylon bushings?

Superman · 05-21-2003, 09:37 AM

When you gently begin to press the pedal, is there is 'hump' you can feel? The first inch or so of travel should provide resistance, then resistance should get slightly less, then build again as the pedal is depressed all the way. The 'hump' you should feel at the top is the horseshoe spring going 'over the top.' You will need to do a search of this BBS in order to get a fuller explanation - there are several explanations in past threads. Long story short, there is a simple adjustment to make under the car if the 'hump' is not there at the beginning of the pedal travel.

Jdub · 05-21-2003, 09:57 AM

JohnW's question is important. The bushings are nylon and do not like to be lubricated with any grease or spray. You can rebuild the pedal rack yourself with brass bushings you can purchase from Pelican - very highly recommended and you will be AMAZED at the feather-light pedal action you can achieve.

One note: ask your wrench if they replaced the bushing in which the trunnion pin/clutch cable rides. This bush, when it goes bad, causes the trunnion pin to ride directly on the metal of the clutch pedal "ear" in the tunnel. When that happens, the effect is one of grinding and resistance. If you need to, simply print this out and show it to the tech.- he'll know and be able to tell you what he found when he was in there.

Finally, do adjust the clutch cable - it is easy to do and will give you confidence about what's under there.

John

adamred · adamred's Garage

Definitely a hump and then less resistance, not sure if he did all of the updates you mention.

He did wind up putting a new restrictor plate behind the clutch b/c if I pushed it to the floor (I'm siginificantly taller then my wrench and had become used to the very stiff full weight clutch that I had), it would make an awful buzzing vibrating noise, he ran to his shed and had an extra plate which he mounted. He mentioned the reason for the problem but I'm blanking....

UTKarmann_Ghia · 05-21-2003, 01:23 PM

When I replaced my clutch pedal last month, that little bushing that John mentioned was gone and the pin had worn about 30% of the way through the metal assembly. I got a new bushing from the local Porsche shop and replaced it, but there's a small gap between the outerwall of the bushing and the metal hold that it rests in. It is securely in there, but I'm sure I'll have to replace that clutch arm in the near future. It could have been a huge problem if I did not catch that.

Jdub · 05-21-2003, 02:10 PM

Matt:

The hot ticket is to have a bit of weld put in the "abcess" and then file it out with an old rattail file. You are correct in that the lack of backing for the new bushing will cause that bushing to warp out and eventually fail.

John

Jandrews · 05-21-2003, 06:48 PM

I recently replaced the clutch cable, pedal cluster bushings, pressure plate, clutch disc, throwout bearing, turned flywheel and polished the guide tube on my 2.7RS motor. When I got it back together and pressed in the clutch, the action was so smooth and easy I thought it was not disengaging! My car went from a "Camaro muscle car-heavy", noisy clutch, to an almost "rice-easy" clutch. I now have it adjusted just barely off the floor, and the car is a delight to drive. This has to be one of those "most bang for the buck" improvements you can do to your car.

JA