Clutch Pedal

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:59 pm

It feels like I have to depress my clutch pedal farther down for it to disengage. Any suggestions what might be wrong?

Thanks,
Clint

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:51 am

the clutch is wearing, or the cable adjustment for the pedal is slipping. does your cable have a locking nut at the tranny fork?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 11:30 am

the cable could be frayed, it will fail soon once it starts to fray.
the firewall could be cracked where the cable mounts to it
the clutch pedal could be cracked where the cable attaches to it
or as Mike stated, cable locknut could be missing allowing the adjustment to change or the clutch could be worn

yap123 · Post by **yap123** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 1:31 am

The clutch is only a few months old, so I'll check the cable and the other things.

Also, I drove my friend's 2004 Mazda RX7 and my aunt's 1987 Camry. Both of the clutch pedals were so easy to press down. By comparison, mine has always been hard. Is this typical of Spiders?

Thanks for your help.

Clint

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 7:19 am

A hydraulic clutch is easier to push, but the Fiat clutch shouldn't take much effort unless you have the problems Mark has suggested.

fiater · Post by **fiater** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 10:22 am

There's a strong assist spring that attaches to the pedal. Since it's difficult to reattach, it's sometimes left off. If yours is missing, your clutch pedal will be stiff.

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 10:36 am

Im used to the hydralic clutches too, it took me a while to get the feel of mine also. My older Fiat has a hydrolic clutch on it. Also remember that clutch cables will serve as eng ground if the eng is not grounded to chassis correctly. It will arc the cable and make it seize or bind. I obtained a "free" braided cable from workplace for my engine to chassis ground. It also sounds like a spare clutch cable would be a good addition to your next parts purchace.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Sun Oct 15, 2006 8:33 pm

mechanical clutch pedals are no comparison to hydraulically assisted pedals.

most Spider clutch pedal springs are abandoned after they are removed the first time. it is a PITA to replace them if you do not know how. the penny roll method seems to be well liked by professional and amateur alike.

Having said that, the "missing" spring will not ease undue tension on the pedal. if there is that much pressure required, i offer that something else is amiss....inside the bell housing.

while you are looking at this mechanism, don't forget to look for the cable tension spring at the other end of the cable. it connects to the clutch fork and the exterior of the tranny housing with a 'c' hook. this spring also comes up missing frequently.