Clutch Replacement or Adjustment?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 720
Likes: 205
From: Michigan
Clutch Replacement or Adjustment?
Hi All - Confession right off the bat: I don't know much about clutch's and manual transmissions. It's the one area of my '69 Coupe that I haven't had to dig too deeply into.
Factory motor and 4-speed trans.
My clutch is concerning me lately, in that it seems to have a very small range of engagement through the pedal travel.
I need to press the pedal fully to allow gear shifts, but the range to "ease in" to the gear seems very small compared to the full stroke of the pedal.
Nothing is slipping or making noise, but the shifting process can be very touchy as I ease off the clutch and ease on the gas, and it takes a lot of concentration to affect a good smooth shift.
Typically, I can feel a little chug or mini-bucking if I don't really focus on the transition through that very small range. It feels more like an "on/off' switch, than a gradually engaging clutch.
I've always been pretty proficient at shifting a manual, but this makes me feel like a beginner.
Is this a sign of needing a clutch replacement? Or is this something that can be adjusted?
Factory motor and 4-speed trans.
My clutch is concerning me lately, in that it seems to have a very small range of engagement through the pedal travel.
I need to press the pedal fully to allow gear shifts, but the range to "ease in" to the gear seems very small compared to the full stroke of the pedal.
Nothing is slipping or making noise, but the shifting process can be very touchy as I ease off the clutch and ease on the gas, and it takes a lot of concentration to affect a good smooth shift.
Typically, I can feel a little chug or mini-bucking if I don't really focus on the transition through that very small range. It feels more like an "on/off' switch, than a gradually engaging clutch.
I've always been pretty proficient at shifting a manual, but this makes me feel like a beginner.
Is this a sign of needing a clutch replacement? Or is this something that can be adjusted?
Last edited by Bergerboy; Sep 8, 2022 at 01:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 720
Likes: 205
From: Michigan
Thanks Interpon - I've seen that adjust procedure, and understand it to be for setting the correct amount of free travel of the pedal before dis-engagement begins.
Not sure I see how this would affect the amount of engagement range once that point is reached.
Not sure I see how this would affect the amount of engagement range once that point is reached.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 951
From: Corpus Christi, TX
The engagement travel depends on the type of clutch disk. A factory organic friction face, sprung hub had a relatively long engagement travel because of the soft material and the hub springs that let the disk squeeze a bit before all the plate pressure is applied. Sintered metal face disks and/or unsprung hub disks do indeed have an on-off switch engagement feel. If you really are unhappy with how the clutch feels, you might consider a change. Lots of threads on that subject.
If your disk is wearing out, it will start engaging near the floor even when all the adjustment is used up.
If your disk is wearing out, it will start engaging near the floor even when all the adjustment is used up.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,213
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
It sounds like it works OK, but could MAYBE improve with a adjustment.
I would adjust and quit worrying about it.
Mine works the same way, always has. I have a Ram?? aftermarket with 40k miles.
I would adjust and quit worrying about it.
Mine works the same way, always has. I have a Ram?? aftermarket with 40k miles.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I made my upper Z bar more effective by drilling additional holes like in 1/2 inch increments below the upper one.
Then I adjusted the setting for very little pedal travel before disengagement.
Thinner flywheels from matching, disk ware, and PP age are all problems on these older cars
Then I adjusted the setting for very little pedal travel before disengagement.
Thinner flywheels from matching, disk ware, and PP age are all problems on these older cars
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
i have also seen old clutch discs spread when PP released. so it takes more travel than supposed to to release completely. adjust it with very little free play at the top and you are getting more disengagement range. the free play is so the pedal sort-of self-adjusts as disc wears. you most likely need a clutch but you could get by for a bit with adjustment and not smoking tires which will also smoke the clutch...
Melting Slicks
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I ve owned many manual transmission vehicles over the years and every clutch had a different "feel". Clutches do wear, hence the adjustment procedure. As already suggested, I would attempt to adjust first. I would be more concerned about slippage than engagement.
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I only purchase cars with manuals. The symptoms you describe do sound like something is up. Adjusting pedal play most likely won't cure a issue with a limited slip zone.
My thought is your clutch is wearing and starting to slip will probably be next up.
I would purchase a new RAM brand clutch kit and replace.
Or whatever brand you prefer, I like the RAM clutch for a stock or mild performance replacement. But to each his own.
I replaced mine just a couple years ago. At home in a tiny one car garage, on jackstands. yes I'm well and truly over 60 and it was only a mild Bit@h.
Bottom line is if you do it yourself outside of maybe getting the flywheel surfaced. It's a fairly affordable repair.
My thought is your clutch is wearing and starting to slip will probably be next up.
I would purchase a new RAM brand clutch kit and replace.
Or whatever brand you prefer, I like the RAM clutch for a stock or mild performance replacement. But to each his own.
I replaced mine just a couple years ago. At home in a tiny one car garage, on jackstands. yes I'm well and truly over 60 and it was only a mild Bit@h.
Bottom line is if you do it yourself outside of maybe getting the flywheel surfaced. It's a fairly affordable repair.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,207
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From: Wauconda IL
Something to consider IF you do need to replace your clutch: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...vel-range.html
