Speed Direct Clutch Linkage Problem

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Apr 21, 2009 | 01:09 PM

theandies

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From: Virginia USA

Speed Direct Clutch Linkage Problem

Anyone running Speed Directs clutch linkage ever have this happen to them?
The bracket on the clutch arm at the bell housing slipped. Luckly I was right near my house because the pedal stayed on the floor when this happened. I thought I granaded the clutch or transmission. After inverstigation I found the bracket pivioting around the bolt. The nut was tight.

I am going to drill a hole in the bracket and clutch arm and install a big stainless steel cotter pin through the whole assembly as a fail safe.

Apr 21, 2009 | 02:55 PM

76stingracer

Racer

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From: Cleveland Ohio

I installed a spacer between the flanges of the clutch fork to prevent the bolt from collapsing the fork. The clutch fork where the bolt goes through is a "C" shape and the spacer was cut to fit snugly into the "C" shape and large enough for the bolt to go through the center.

Apr 21, 2009 | 03:03 PM

theandies

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From: Virginia USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76stingracer

Good idea but I'm still worried that this connection can become a piviot point. I think I'll install a spacer and also by cotter pin as a fail safe unless someone can come up with a better solution. I'll post pictures after I'm finished.
Thanks

Apr 21, 2009 | 03:27 PM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

I did the spacer also. That way you can really torque down on it. Mine has not loosened up. I usually have a problem getting it apart I tighten it so much.

Apr 21, 2009 | 03:52 PM

Dustup7T2

Terrorizing Orange Cones

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Northern CO

Thanks for the heads up on this issue, theandies. I have not installed mine yet and was unaware of any slippage problem.

Gordonm: if your solution kept the connection tight, it's not too tight? That is, the clutch rod pivots on heim-end end without a bind, correct? Great pic, BTW.

The spacer seems to prevent slotted end of fork from collapsing and if the SD brackets stay in place, I'll follow your lead.

Kudos, Guys.

Last edited by Dustup7T2; Apr 21, 2009 at 03:53 PM. Reason: add text

Apr 21, 2009 | 03:58 PM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustup7T2

Yes it is the heim joint that pivots. You do not want any movement on the clutch fork. The fork is easily crushed when tightening it down. I like the linkage it is much smoother but this is one spot that could have been designed a little better. You have to make sure the brackets stay lined up. They do want to move so a helper might be needed to make sure they don't move.

Apr 21, 2009 | 05:18 PM

theandies

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From: Virginia USA

I just got finished installing a spacer and I ditched the cotter pin idea in favor of bending the square ends of the top and bottom brackets to conform to the clutch arm. I torqued the S out of the bolt/nut. I think the spacer, torque and the bracket modification will not allow and slippage again.

Sorry guys no pictures I can no longer get to my CF home page and that is where I stored my pictures. I do have a kodak accout so I'll try there instead.

Last edited by theandies; Apr 21, 2009 at 05:20 PM.

Apr 21, 2009 | 06:12 PM

MotorHead

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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.

I just rotate mine in toward the block and tighten it down, been like that thru 3 motors and never had a problem, no spacer needed nothing else needed for that matter