Clutch pedal return spring question

[oregonmon]

How do I replace the clutch pedal spring? THe old one is broken and out, simply tried to push clutch to floor and hook it to the two mounting points but no go. Do I have to remove the pedal cluster? If so how big a job is that?
Thanks.

[mm86911]

Not a fun job. I used some steel cable to stretch the spring over the shaft. Wear thick leather gloves and eye/face protection. Maybe someone else has a trick?

[oregonmon]

Oh great. Not another "not a fun job". I just did the clutch cable and ran into a couple hiccups with what I thought was going to be simple.
You mean you hooked the spring to the back shaft and then pull the hell out of it to bring it to the pedal shaft. Wow, you must be BUFF!

[Superman]

There has to be a way to use a prying tool for leverage. Indeed, a big herky example of one of those brake spring plier thingies would be the ideal tool.

[Jim Sims]

Tools help but a fair amount of strength is still required to do this task in situ. I used a hardwood dowel inserted into the free hooked end of the spring while my wife depressed the pedal for me. Using the dowel I caught the end of the hook onto the pedal cluster rod, removed the dowel and then used a soft faced hammer to tap the hooked end fully into place. Took a few tries before I got all the "actions" just right.

[vash]

Originally Posted by Superman

There has to be a way to use a prying tool for leverage. Indeed, a big herky example of one of those brake spring plier thingies would be the ideal tool.

i use the exact tool. slamdunk. i have done it in the car and out.

[yelcab1]

The tool looks like a brake spring attach tool, no surprise, same concept. Some modification may be required. your mileage may vary.

Or, big muscles.

[Walter_Middie]

There is a thread where someone stuffed quarters in the coils to expand the spring - then it just slips on and you remove the quarters. It worked great for me.

Here's a thread that might help:

The dreaded.... "clutch pedal return spring"

[john walker's workshop]

jeeze, i keep telling how to do this real easy like and noboby remembers. get one of these amerikan kar brake spring tools at the cheapo parts store and cut it off so it clears the wheel well hump when it's pulled back. hook the spring on the front cluster knob, slip the rear end of the spring over the tool shank, hook the tool over the pedal knob, pull back, allowing the spring to slide over the shank and onto the pedal knob. takes 2 minutes.

[boyt911sc]

Oregonmon,

You could either install the spring with pedal cluster in the car (very difficult) or remove the pedal cluster unit and work on the bench. I opted to remove the pedal cluster assembly.

Step one: Dismount pedal cluster from car and secure the unit in a vise as shown.

Step two: Hook up the small end of the spring.


Step three: Line up the bigger end.


Step four: Fabricate a strong wire loop using coat hanger wire to stretch the spring.


Step five: Pedal spring installed.

Once you have the wire loop fabricated, it takes only seconds to install the spring in place. Hope the pictures help you do the job. Good luck.

Tony

[holtjv]

packing the spring with big washers was easiest for me. spread it apart, insert washers, put on the pedal, remove washers with needle nose pliers. took 10 minutes max.

[azasadny]

Good thread. I never could get that damn spring back on, so I'm removing the pedal cluster to rebuild it this winter and I'll replace the spring then.

[oregonmon]

Thanks guys for the replies. I like the quarters/big washers trick. Seems very creative and pretty easy.
Thank again for your time, maybe try it tonight.