Struggling to get new pedal cluster into the car
 

Hello,

On my 1986 3.2 with a 915 tranny, I cannot get the rebuilt cluster back into the car. I can't seem to get the brake rod back onto the pedal with the cluster fully seated. And then while trying to get the brake rod on earlier, I am finding with it on I cannot seat the two upper bolts on the cluster back into the firewall.

What is the recommend config when trying to get this sucker back into the car. Also, do you reconnect the clutch cable last?

Also. It seems the brake pedal won't depress nearly as far as it would before the old cluster was removed. Is this temporary from me pushing on it so much while trying to reinstall?

Bump

the brake rod and the flat bar are attached to the cluster first, before installing it into the car.

Maybe to clarify John's point - this is a 2 man job. The assembled booster and cluster must be lowered onto their respective studs at the same time. Very difficult to do from above or below by 1 person. I did do it myself once and it was a miserable job.

Finally got it back together, at least 95% there. Only thing left is the hex bolt on the clutch spring. Can't get an allen on it with the clearance provided.

Also, my brake lights suddenly do not work. Does the ignition need to be turned on for this to happen? I had only tested with the ignition off.

Car is an 86 3.2 with 915 trans.

I'm a newbie, ignition apparently has to be on for brake lights to work. Same goes for turn signals apparently. Found an article on a few techniques to get the 8mm hex bolt in.

Almost done!

no need to take the booster and related upper items off for a cluster R&R. no wonder you had trouble.

I only removed the 17mm bolt that attaches the arm bar to the housing in the front truck. Where i was struggling was attaching the brake rod to the pedal after having already seated it on its studs.

I finally figured it out, then got everything else all buttoned up. I didn't have time to adjust the clutch but the car is drivable for now. Brake lights are also working, odd that you need to have the ignition on for these to work. Must be a product of an older, charming car :)

Also have her a nice bath today so she is shiny. Creaking clutch pedal is fixed, and kudos to bruce stone for his fantastic rebuild on the pedal cluster.

the quote was related to a previous comment, not your issue.