clutch problem

[StayGold808]

Hi,

Today while driving, i heard a pop and the clutch pedal went incredibly stiff, and won't travel very far. The car is still driveable, as you can just push it past the friction point i think, and the clutch isn't slipping when the pedal is fully up.

I immediatly assumed, helper spring, and thats what i'll be checking first thing tomorrow. But while i was driving home, there were a few moments when i went to press the clutch pedal and everything was back to normal, and then i'd press again and its back to stiff... could a broken helper spring go back to normal again?

Potentially what else could it be?>

Thanks alot,
Adam

[StayGold808]

Ok, I checked underneath, and yep, the helper spring is snapped. So i'll be replacing that. But the clutch still goes back to normal every so often. Could something else be broken too?

Please help guys!

[mschuep]

I'd replace the spring, most likely your problem if it is snapped, and relatively easy to replace. Next thing I would check is the clutch fork, maybe one of the arms popped off.

[StayGold808]

is the clutch fork under the centre console area? I'm not familiar with that term...

[mschuep]

The clutch fork moves your throwout bearing in and out on the input shaft of the transmission, and you really have to do an engine drop (or at least a partial one) to get a look at it. Take a peek at Wayne's article on clutch replacement for some good general info and pics on clutches.

I suggest trying just the helper spring first, because much of the clutch assembly is inaccessible with the engine in.

-Matt

[sammyg2]

I also suggest taking a picture of the broken helper spring BEFORE you take it off.

I always seem to scratch my head and turn the darn thing every way possible before i figure out the correct orientation and I've installed one several times. One time I got so frustrated I almost got out the manual and read the directions. Almost.....

[StayGold808]

Just incase people find this thread in a search, it turned out to be the helper spring.

[Patton]

Just curious to know, my car never had a helper spring. My clutch seems normal, a little stiff. Is this a problem?

[jeff1hughes]

The 930 uses a different transmission, I don't believe it has one.

[rallyracer]

87 should have a hydraulic clutch. The helper spring in part of the cable clutch mechanism on earlier cars.

[Patton]

I have a 3.4 engine and an early year 915 tranny in a 930 body.