Clutch helper spring
 

How do you tell if it needs replacing? My clutch feels particularly heavy, but the spring doesnt look too bad. I expect it is the original. Do they wear out, stiffen up? There is a little surface rust but nothing really of concern.

They are getting quite pricey, I dont want to replace it unnecessarily.

Many thanks.

Tks
ED

What year and how many miles? You are talking about the helper spring on the clutch arm back at the transmission? (vs the helper spring on the clutch pedal)

Certainly they can fatigue and break but the most common reasons for heavy clutch feel is a worn out clutch cable, improperly adjusted clutch cable, and/or a worn out pedal cluster.

I had the same problem and after a new cable, adjustment, and pedal cluster rebuild the problems were solved. I still have the original helper spring

Sorry, its an 85 3.2, 100k miles. I will add to my signature!

I will focus on the cable and pedals, rather than the spring.

Thanks for the response.

Ed

My last one failed with no warning. It was not particularly old, and it was not rusty, so I think it was just the use/mileage that caused it to fail from fatigue.
If it is the original spring, I would replace it when you do the cable... I believe it's replacement is called out in the maintenance schedule well before 100k.

the steel clutch cable rides in a white plastic sleeve covered in a black rubber sleeve. Sometimes the cable strands break and start to jamb up the cable making it feel heavy. try to disconnect it at the tranny and have a helper hold tension on the cable end and push the clutch in and out. if resistance or binding is felt, try to remove the other end of the cable and check the clutch peddle for operation. a little lube sometimes works wonders.
if everything is in order, the cause might be in the throw out arm, they can get dry and moisture can start them to rust. start with the easy things first

Keep in mind that clutch will still work with a broken helper spring. If the cable breaks you're stuck.

What's the history on the actual clutch? As clutches wear and get thin the pressure plate diaphragm spring gets heavier and heavier. It could possibly be original, I've seen them last up to 120k on a 3.2 Carrera. Also by then ALL the lubricants, guide tube, release fork shaft, clutch cable etc. are well beyond there expected service life. Assist or Omega springs don't get soft, they just expire one day. I've also seen SOOOOOO many incorrectly adjusted clutches. Make sure it's adjusted as per the factory service recommendation. Only use a factory cable if necessary, aftermarket, although they look the same, have a far shorter service life, and always inspect and or replace the white nylon bushing at he pedal area clevis pin when replacing a cable. Good Luck:cool: