Clutch Cable

[fiasco]

I've got a sticky clutch cable in my car. I also have a brand new clutch cable in a plastic package. The latter needs to switch places with the former.

How big a job is this? What insider tips would be helpful?

I did do a forum search. Most of the threads that I found that touch on the clutch cable spend most of their time talking about the pedal fork and firewall repair. I am trying to be proactive and deal with my cable before those other issues become issues. So what I'm really looking for is specifically some help with how to replace the cable itself.

I did get one tip from another thread that came from Mark - lube the new cable with some graphite or a dry lubricant before installing.

Thanks all!
-- se

[So Cal Mark]

the tricky part is ensuring the pedal end of the cable is properly seated in the fork.

[TulsaSpider]

Steve, It's very straightforward. Jack up the car on the driver's side enough for you to get under there. Find the clutch cable. Make a note of where the adjusting nuts are on the threaded shaft. This will give you a starting point to re-install.
Carefully remove the spring that's connected to the clutch level back to the tranny. There are two adjusting nuts, one to adjust and one to lock it into place. Remove one then the other. The pedal end should be easy to remove at this point. Take a flashlight and carefully inspect where the clutch cable pivots for cracks or excessive wear that would cause binding. You can use a dry lube here too. Reassembly is simply the reverse! Then adjust the length of the cable as necessary by turning the nut, then when finished tighten the nuts together to lock the position. It's about a 20 min job I'd say!
Make sure to inspect that firewall where the cable comes through it as well.
Good luck!

[fiasco]

Thanks. Gonna try to get this done tomorrow afternoon. I'll report back on my success (he says with optimism).

-- se

[So Cal Mark]

as I wrote, the tricky part is getting the top end of the cable seated in the fork properly. The cable tends to fall into the hook and catch on a lip. It looks like it's seated but it's not going to pivot. While you're laying on the floor with the light, work the pedal by hand and make sure the cable pivots in the fork properly. I'd suggest lubing that area of the cable/fork also

[manoa matt]

Once you got the cable in and checked the pedal, firewall and cable to pedal engagement, the adjustment is next. You want one inch of free pedal movement before you start to feel resistance and clutch engagement. This will be adjusted with the ball shaped nut. Also check in the inspection hole at the clutch fork that sticks out of the trans bell housing. Make sure the throwout bearing is not in contact with the finger springs of the clutch housing. I think the space should be about 1/8" If the throwout bearing is in constant contact with the clutch, the bearing will fail prematurely.

[fiasco]

Did something wrong. See new thread.

http://www.fiatspider.com:16080/f08/vie ... f=3&t=4821

[fiasco]

Back to my original thread to report that, after some ancillary drama, the new cable is in, and I was literally amazed at the difference. The clutch is smooth as butter. I told my wife (who needs non-automotive analogies) that it was like trying to ice skate across concrete, and then suddenly hitting the smooth ice and just gliding effortlessly across the pond.

On a side note, I finished my interior projects this weekend too. Look for a post with pics in the Custom Stuff section in the next couple of days.

Thanks everyone for your help!
-- se