Clutch Return Spring Broke
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Clutch Return Spring Broke
As stated, yesterday morning I opened the door of my '07 Z51 and found one-half of the clutch return spring laying on the floorboard. So far, I've not been able to get a part number online in anyway. Waiting on a response from Gene Culley but he's probably pretty busy these days. Does anyone have the GM part number for this spring?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
As stated, yesterday morning I opened the door of my '07 Z51 and found one-half of the clutch return spring laying on the floorboard. So far, I've not been able to get a part number online in anyway. Waiting on a response from Gene Culley but he's probably pretty busy these days. Does anyone have the GM part number for this spring?
There are two replacement springs to choose from....the C5 and the C6. Some guys like the C5 while others like the C6. I put in a C5 after my spring broke and frankly, don't know which one I like better. Some guys don't replace the spring. But GM says its there to make sure the pedal goes all the way to the end to expose a port so the clutch fluid from the reservoir fills the line.
Here is a link to the thread with the part numbers: Clutch Spring Thread with Part Numbers
Last edited by Mez; Jun 7, 2010 at 09:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Thank You. I wanted to stay with the original spring as opposed to the C-5 spring. Gene Culley wrote back with the correct part number so I've already ordered it just this morning but I appreciate your trouble. I did use the search and saw the part number for the C-5 spring first. Second, I hit all the part's sites trying to find the correct one, but its weird that no one shows it. Even Gene's site does not list it for this car but the main search page revealed it as long as you had the number. All other sites, were all the same way, so its GM's part number database for the retail purchaser that has issues. Anyway, thanks again
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
My pedal doesn't feel any different right now without the spring. Not sure why but oh well, I'm one of those who believe in engineering...afterall, till I retired last month, I was an engineer.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
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From: Tucson Arizona
I think you'e better off using the OEM C6 clutch return assist spring versus the C5 spring or no spring at all. I've read using a spring with different torsional values (such as the C5 spring) or no spring at all contributes to premature clutch wear.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 185
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From: Little Rock AR
How? It is an assist spring.
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St. Jude Donor '05-'08
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Waynesville NC
I drove a buddy's C6 with the C5 spring...liked it so much more than mine that I ordered the part from a local dealer Wednesday; it arrived yesterday and I put it in last night. It's definitely better with the C5 spring - and I never thought the C6 spring was so bad to begin with, nor was mine broken. I wonder what makes them break? I noticed the C5 spring is identical to the C6 except the spiral loops are smaller.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Austin, TX
Glad you found the P/N. Unless your on the "lighter weight" side crawling under there to replace it sucks. Done it many times (on my C5) and my medium size beer belly makes it quite difficult. 
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I'm guessing it'll be here next week. I plan on putting it in myself but being tall creates the real problem for getting under there. Oh well, I''ll get in there somehow.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: San Clemente CA
Check out this link before you decided to leave the spring out.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ml?forum_id=74
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ml?forum_id=74
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Thanks for the link and info, but just to clarify, I'm not planning on leaving it out. At this instant, just waiting on the new one to arrive and will put it in right away.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I received and installed the new clutch spring. What surpirses me now is that the clutch pedal is now easier to operate and the difference is certainly significant. No complaints here.
