Snapped Clutch Cable?

nealf2002 · 03-22-2009, 04:59 AM

Took ownership of a RoW '82 SC Targa two days ago and while out getting coffee this morning, went to slip the clutch in and BAM! Clutch shot to the floor feeling like the cable snapped. I am a self admitted newbie, so what can I do for myself without having to get the car towed and repaired at a shop? I am mechanical and handy servicing a number of early'70's BMW's in my fleet. This being Sunday, am I screwed for parts today?

Could I do this without a lift? Is this a DIY? A number of folks said they would travel with a spare cabls so that is why I ask if it is doable at home (or on the side of the road)...

Thanks.

IROC · IROC's Garage

This is not too difficult, but for me it requires getting the rear of the car up on jack stands (to access the point where the cable goes into the center tunnel in the car and to connect it at the gearbox). It also requires removal of the floorboard on the driver's side and some contortionism to get down in there and connect it. It's not bad at all, but I wouldn't want to do it on the side of the road.

sailchef · sailchef's Garage

This happened to me when i first bought my car. At first I thought the same as you "clutch cable" It turned out to be the clutch omega spring. The clutch was so far out of adjustment that the big helper spring got pulled and popped all the way around and the pedal went all the way to the floor and stayed there. If I could have gotten underneath the car and pushed the spring back into place (this takes a lot of force using a BIG screwdriver) I could have probably driven the car home. I later installed all new cables and springs etc.

ErVikingo · 03-22-2009, 07:07 AM

I had several cables break and learned that the problem was caused by electrolisis of the cable sue to a bad transmission ground strap. Sounds odd but, I replaced the ground strap and have not had any problems in over 15 years now.

It's not easy to fix it on the side of the road..... I know

Hard-Deck · 03-22-2009, 07:42 AM

This happened to me right after I got my car too. It's easy to replace, but really takes two to adjust it to the right tolerances. Mine worked fine after I adjusted it with my wife's help and after 3 years when it was in John Walker's shop he noted it was routed incorrectly over the axle and he fixed that for me. Reason: It was routed that way when it broke so I thought that's how it was supposed to go. Get Wayne's 101 book and a Bentley and you're set for life.....well, then there are the tools you need to buy I guess.

Have fun, it's a sickness

ossiblue · 03-22-2009, 08:01 AM

Your question has been answered already but just be sure it is the cable and not the pin/clevis at the clutch pedal. You will know when you dig into the areas mentioned to do the repair.

Canada Kev · 03-22-2009, 10:15 AM

Folks might also want to learn to drive their car without using the clutch so if this ever happens, you're not stuck at the side of the road out of cellular range. It might get ya home on a late night so that you can swear at the car in the morning.

stlrj · 03-22-2009, 12:31 PM

It only takes a bit of practice and has saved me twice. I was even able to help out a buddy after a boulder took out his clutch cable on his 73 Targa when he was 100 miles from the nearest town.

Cheers,

Joe
74 911 w/ 86 3.2 conversion