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

[boyt911sc]

Leland,

I spent several hours yesterday trying to install the brake pedal spring back after putting the new bushings and I failed. And after reading Jim Smolka's technique this afternoon I was encouraged to try it.

As soon as got home, I picked up the pedal cluster and installed the spring without the bar. I was a little bit skeptical but I was totally wrong. I had the spring installed within minutes with very little effort.

So I removed the bar from the car and installed it on the pedal cluster as per Jim Smolka's instruction. I would rate this task easier than replacing four (4) spark plugs on a 911.

Jim Smolka,

Many thanks for your ingenious way of installing the brake pedal spring. Wayne Dempsey could use this method in his book. Believe it or not, it could be done in less than a minute. No special tools, effortless, and works like magic. Jim you're the man.....

TD

[dafischer]

Leland,

As I've always said, don't force it, get a bigger hammer.

[fred cook]

Fortunately, I read this thread the other day and taking John Walkers advice, modified a (drum) brake spring tool as he described. Once I had the tool finished, it took about 2 minutes to install "The Spring from Hell". Thanks for the tip, Mr. Walker. If I am ever out your way, I owe you a steak dinner!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe

[Gemni911]

This was too easy. I had to work on other stuff this went so fast. I wanted to do this in the car without removing the already rebuilt pedal assembly.
Take the new clutch pedal spring and place a large screwdriver or bar through it from the short end. Bend the spring by pushing the long end (attaches to pedal post) one way or the other. Place quarters between the coils (5). Bend the spring the opposite direction and place 5 more quarters between the coils opposite the others (make sure the quarters are close to flush with the outside of the spring so they don't space the spring away fron the pedal assembly). This lengthens the spring around 1/4" or so. Place the spring into position hooked to the pedal post (grease both mounting posts per the factory manual). Press the clutch pedal in. You will see that the short end of the spring is very close to it's mounting post. Use a flat blade screwdriver to easily pry the spring end onto it's post. Release the pedal and pick out the quarters with a small pair of needle nose pliers. All done! No scary spring stretching. No brusied, bleeding knuckles or fingers trying to pry the spring. Etc...

[darkbeer]

Get medium large old screwdriver....10"to 12" size with big blade.....take your handy-dandy rattail file & file a notch in the center of the blade...sort of a rounded "forked tongue"....now hook the spring on the pedel, stick the scrwdriver through it catching the short hook with the notch, push it back towards the pin on the back of the cluster shell & hook it....MUCH easier to PUSH a spring, then to PULL a spring...plus, you can get great leverage with your back against the seat.

(Rolf,Thanks for teaching me this)

[trojwl]

Guys, I was able to install spring in less than twenty minutes. I just posted solution in this forum. Title is "911 Clutch return spring conquered". I am "trojwl".
I have included pic in this post. Read my full posting. You won't believe how simple it is to do. Literally less than half an hour, a vise, and a screwdriver.
Let me know what you guys think.