Any reason to replace clutch aux return spring?

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

I finished installing my rebuilt pedal cluster and also installed a new clutch cable while I was a it. I'm not looking for extra work but am wondering should I install a new auxilliary return spring as well (the horseshoe shaped one). It works fine now and doesn't feel weak. Do these things loose strength gradually or do they just fail? Should I feel comfortable just leaving things as they are now?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

I removed mine years ago. Works fine that way.

Jim Richards · 07-06-2004, 05:14 AM

They fail. I think it's cheap insurance to go ahead and replace it.

Chuck Moreland · 07-06-2004, 07:37 AM

They do lose strength over time. You wont be able to feel this with your hands.

The horshoe spring is cantilevered so that it both lightens the pedal and helps it return fully. This is also true of the spring at the pedal cluster.

Because they are cantilevered, the clutch has to be adjusted just right for them to work properly. With good springs and the correct adjustment, the clutch feels like butter. As the springs weaken and the adjustment fades, the pedal gets progressively heavier. It may not fully return when you release it. It happens gradually so you don't even notice.

That is, until you replace the springs and adjust it properly. Suddenly you realize what you've been missing. Butter smooth action and fully returning pedal, with a nice snap at the top.

I'd get the springs.

autobonrun · autobonrun's Garage

I'll go ahead and order a new one to replace the old factory original. I was afraid it may have lost some of its strength over the years.

Bill, I'm not as brave at removing factory parts. But I'm curious why you removed yours and how it affected the clutch feel?

sayah · 07-06-2004, 10:06 AM

One of my least favorite things in the world is to replace the 911 clutch pedal spring.

I HATE DOING THIS!

CarreraS2 · 07-06-2004, 10:15 AM

Wow, seems like it would be a super heavy clutch without the horseshoe.

I replaced my horseshoe spring a year or so ago. My old spring wasn't broken and looked fine, but was AT LEAST 13 years old. I'd heard they get weaker over time, though, so I figured I'd replace it.

I noticed . . . no difference at all!

Oh well.

It wasn't a particularly inexpensive part ($60+?) and was kind of a pain to replace.

GeorgeK · 07-06-2004, 10:16 AM

I am having trouble with mine, and I will remove it. The car did not have it orignally (replaced the '76 gearbox with a same in Mg from a '77 with 7:31 and LSD). The spring comes out this weekend to go straight in the trashbin. I like it better when there is no assist, I (think I) can feel the bite point better. Heck, even my 100 lbs fiancee preferred the spring-less 'box.
And once you're underway, there's no fussing with it, it's in or out.