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Clutch Release Issue/Feel

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Old Aug 26, 2011 | 12:29 PM
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Default Clutch Release Issue/Feel

Looks like I'll be dropping the M22 out soon. The clutch pedal has a binding / sticking feel when you release. I anticipate finding one or more issues:
  • worn pressure plate / diaphram fingers
  • worn throw out bearing retainer/guide
  • worn clutch fork

I have some new clutch linkage from Speed Direct with rod-ends to go in on reassembly. Any other ideas on what I'll find?

Thx, Gary
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Old Aug 26, 2011 | 01:11 PM
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Mine feels the same way. Look forward to seeing what you find.
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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 09:47 AM
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Couldn't hurt to grease the cross shaft and link ends before you go through all the trouble of R&Ring your clutch.
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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 10:41 AM
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On the cross shaft... Check the bushings in the cross shaft, the engine stud, the frame stud, check for wear in the holes for the push rods.

In the bellhousing check for wear on the pivot stud for the clutch fork.

On the fork check the pin, and push rod hole.

With the cross shaft out of the car... check the pedal for smooth movement. If its binding then there may be an issue in there.

And then check the pressure plate, throw out bearing and other goodies..

Willcox
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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 02:08 PM
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Thx gents. I've been all thru the linkage and clutch pedal assembly. One thing I've noticed while under the car is the clutch fork moves up and down quite a bit while pivoting on the ball stud. This is why I think I have an issue with the clutch fork, throw out bearing, pressure plate or throw out bearing retainer. I'll soon find out as I just got the car on stands and will be tearing in to it over the course of the next week. I'll post some pics of what I find.

PS - this car is driven hard!
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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 02:57 PM
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Default Clutch.

I experienced a broken nose piece on the tranny itself. The throughout bearing is piloted on it. The clutch would still work but it had a totally different feel on the pedal. Just throwing it out there. Good luck.
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Old Aug 27, 2011 | 05:19 PM
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You may have a broken retainer clip on the clutch fork. It holds the fork correctly against the ball stud. They are known to break off- you can buy a replacement clip w/rivet from Zip or somebody like that. When I bought my car, years ago, the cluch linkage was "funny" like that. When the freeplay was correctly adjusted, the clutch would not release, because the fork was not pivoting in the right place on the ball stud. (What a PITA that was to diagnose.)
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by gcusmano74
You may have a broken retainer clip on the clutch fork. It holds the fork correctly against the ball stud. They are known to break off- you can buy a replacement clip w/rivet from Zip or somebody like that. When I bought my car, years ago, the cluch linkage was "funny" like that. When the freeplay was correctly adjusted, the clutch would not release, because the fork was not pivoting in the right place on the ball stud. (What a PITA that was to diagnose.)
I had the same thing happen on mine. New fork fixed it. Worth checking out.
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 03:53 PM
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Default Clutch Release Issue/Feel - PICS

Got the trans out this morning.

I found:
  1. the throw out bearing retainer (shaft the bearing slides on) was okay - but I'll probably repalce it any way. Also need to repalce the front seal since it was showing signs of leaking.
  2. the lip on the throw out bearing is broken (see pics).
  3. the clutch fork is slightly worn - I'll replace this anyway.
  4. the pressure plate diaphram fingers are fine - no need to pull it out as it was working fine.








Ideas as to why the throw out bearing lip has broken like this????
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Old Aug 28, 2011 | 05:04 PM
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The lip is broken because the fork was installed by the previous owner incorrectly!

The spring and fork should be between the front and rear lips of the bearing collar --- mine had the fork on the inside the collar with the spring on the outside.
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