Clutch pedal noise and clutch engagement

[83_Silberpfeil]

Hello all Pelicans!

New to the post here.

I am a lucky new owner of a 83 SC.

Ever since I acquired the vehicle, i have noticed that when the clutch pedal travels (both pressing down and slowly releasing), it makes a noise that sounds like a spring is being stretched and released. The previous owner said that is normal due to a cable and spring operated citch. Can anyone comfirm this is normal?

Also, then clutch does not grab and pull the car forward until the sencond half or even the last quarter of the pedal travel. Is that how the 911 / 011 SC clutch noally operates? Or do I have a worn out clutch, or do I need adjustment of pedal cable, or spring?

Your advice / opinion are much appreciated!

JC

[psalt]

JC,

The 911 is unique because of the offset pedals and the cable operated clutch, a hangover from the Beetle. There is a spring under the floor board and at the gearbox. If the car is new to you, my advice is to remove the pedalbox and clean and lubricate the clutch pedal shaft. This design is weak and the roll pin that transfers the force of the clutch pedal to the cable can fail, leave you without a clutch. The bushing in the pedal shaft flange can also become oval, giving a weird action to the clutch. When the pedal box has been properly serviced, and the roll pin replaced with the correct factory part, you can be sure that any clutch problems are isolated to the back and the chance of the clutch suddenly failing is greatly reduced.

[maxman]

JC,

I had the same problem with the spring like sound. Underneath the carpet (and the pedals) is a removable floorboard. Get that out and you will see the inner workings of the pedal box. All you need do do is:

(1) Pull out the carpet mat (you'll see the floor pans at this point).

(2) Pull the rubber things off the pedals.

(3) Gently work the carpet piece that goes under the pedals over the pedals.

(4) Remove the metal thing that is bolted to the back side of the floorboard behind the clutch, this can adjust how far in the clutch can be pushed.

(5) Remove the 1 bolt that holds down the floorboard and slide it down under the lip up top and then up over the pedals.

(6) At this point, you will see the spring you are hearing and can replace it or oil it up.

Hope this helps!

~Max

[pete3799]

+ 1 on the above.
Also adjust the clutch as it sounds like it's engaging on the high side of the pedal travel.
There should be a tech. article here on the proper adjustment.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Psalt, Maxman, Pete3799,

Much thanks for such a prompt and elaborate discussion of the issue and solution!!!

I'll plan on working on this as a 'project' during the upcoming holidays.

You guys are true Pelicans!

[Oh Haha]

My pedal squeaked as well. Even after rebuilding the cluster. Just this year I finally stopped it by using a dry graphite spray lubricant. Strange but it worked.

Here's a thread on adjusting the pedal travel.clutch engagement

Welcome to Pelican.