Clutch return spring installation question

[Tim_in_MD]

I discovered while replacing my clutch cable that the clutch return spring on my "86 Carrera was broken. I've gotten a new one but am having no luck installing it with pedal box in situ. Am I dreaming that I'll find a way to install it without pulling the pedal box? If I need to pull the box, how have you all had luck installing this spring on the bench?

Thanks much.

[Oh Haha]

You CAN do it inthe car but it's much easier on the bench. Removing it allows you to clean the mounting area of all of the crud that's accumulated over the years as well.

I used a brake spring tool to remount mine on the box. others have been known to use Vise-Grips.

having a buddy over to help is a plus as well. My wife tried but was more in the way.

Here is a great thread on the process:

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

[gregwils]

I will provide another perspective. I rebuilt my cluster this spring (which you may want to consider for $15, it's easy). I did not install the return spring until after the cluster was in the car. Actually, I did install it, but it was popped off. I didn't find it all that difficult to install in the car. You will probably want to fully depress the clutch, then hook the spring in the cluster base toward the far end of the cluster. At that point, I used a screw driver to gain leverage to pull it onto the pedal.

If you remove the cluster, the spring can pop off unless you do something to secure the pedal from moving.

[Tim_in_MD]

Thanks folks...great resources. I will conquer this tomorrow night...hopefully without pulling the cluster.

[Tim_in_MD]

Just to close this out...I was successful in installing the spring without pulling the box! It took me several evenings of attempting to wrap my mind around the techniques described in the threads referenced above. Once you get it, though, it's very easy. I used John Walker's technique with the brake spring tool, and didn't even need to cut the tool. Eye protection is a must. Several misfires but on the third try--big bang and it's on.

I didn't see a big difference in pedal effort at first--but then I realized it was actually a much lighter pedal. How much of that is the spring and how much of that is the new, properly adjusted cable--who knows. Either way the project paid off!

Thanks again...