Replace springs in pedal cluster?

[isby]

I’m in the process of rebuilding my pedal cluster. The plastic bushings (esp. the two on the throttle linkage) were toast. Wondering if I should replace the springs? They look good, no rust, etc. I’m inclined to leave them under the theory of “if it ain’t broke …”. Anyone have an opinion on this? Thx!

[Jonny042]

As long as they aren't rusty - leave 'em. A properly designed spring doesn't "wear out". Otherwise we'd be changing out all kinds of things all the time, like torsion bars, etc. Only when they rust or suffer from some sort of wear that causes a stress riser should you be concerned.

[pmax]

Just did the TBs.




If yours are as rust free, I certainly see no reason to replace these springs.

[David Inc.]

If you have the pedal cluster out and disassembled, I'd say replace the springs, you've already done 95% of the work.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

If you have the pedal cluster out and disassembled, I'd say replace the springs, you've already done 95% of the work.

I agree. And springs can indeed wear out. My torsion bars were sagging on one side. I had a factory original torsion bar break on my 914.

Replacing the pedal springs is just a "while yer in there" thing that is good to do.

[PeteKz]

I agree with Jonny042. Well-designed springs don't wear out or fatigue, unless operated beyond their limits. The springs in my pedal cluster are 50 years old.

If a torsion bar breaks, it had a stress concentration point, probably due to corrosion.

[unclebilly]

Ya know… this site has hundreds of tech articles on topics just like this.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/101_Projects_Porsche_911/40-Pedal_Cluster_Rebuild/40-Pedal_Cluster_Rebuild.htm

Sure, they aren’t YouTube videos by a guy with a barely understandable Russian accent but they are clear and concise.

[Tommy Z]

I don't see why you wouldn't replace the springs if you already have it apart. It's an inexpensive part and you'll be good for another 40 years. The rebuild of the pedal cluster was possibly the most satisfying project I have tackled yet in my novice wrenching hobby. there is a great article on the Joe Engineer website on how to do it. Was well worth the effort!

[isby]

Thanks all. Even though one of the springs is apparently not available in the US and is currently on a slow boat from Bavaria, I decided to replace them both for peace of mind.

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by turbofan

I had the same dilemma when I was rebuilding my own pedal cluster. I ended up keeping the old springs because they looked fine and weren’t rusty. They’re still holding up well, so I’d say if yours look good, you should be fine leaving them as is. If you notice any issues later, you can always replace them then.

I can't remember why I was in there, but I was behind the pedal board some years back, everything looked fine except for some paint flaking on the cluster frame itself. Later that year the clutch spring blew out while driving. You never know!