Incredibly Low Clutch

Post by **Chris** » Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:47 pm

hi all,
My clutch biting/disengaging point is incredibly low (infact virtually on the floor). It's a new clutch but has always been low since fitted a few months ago, and has gradually got lower.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? And what can be done to rectify it? Could it be just a case of adjusting the nuts on the clutch pedal?

Cheers,
Chris

Post by **Scott** » Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:34 pm

Chris,
Sounds like way too much freeplay somewhere, hopefully just the clutch linkage.

If the clutch rod adjustment nuts were not adjusted correctly and/or left loose, this could explain the low pedal & why it's getting worse.
It was mentioned that the adjustment nuts aren't supposed to come loose by design, but in my experience, anything is possilble.

Try adjustment first, but also inspect your linkage for wear in the rods & bushes while you're under the car. If the nuts are near the bottom of the thread already, then there isn't too much adjustment left.

Brixtonmorris mentioned in another post that there are 2 types of release bearings too, could this be a factor?

Post by **fweddy** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:30 am

You should be able to adjust the setup by feel.

When I refitted my gearbox etc I played with the adjustments and got it so it felt about right - when I came to driving my vehicle I forgot all about it as it worked perfectly.

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:57 am

Chris as Scott mentioned it sounds like the adjustment has been wrong since it was fitted and sometimes after a new clutch if fitted reajustment is needed after a while, it should have been set so that there is approx 1" freeplay at the top of the pedal, undo the locknut and adjust the other nut a turn at a time and when it is correct retighten the locknut.

Post by **simmitc** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:54 pm

[quote]approx 1" freeplay at the top of the pedal

Depends on engine size. The 948 & 1098 were slightly different, but any manual will give the correct settings. I think it's actually 3/4" or 1 1/4" but I'd have to check....

Post by **paulg** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:16 pm

I have always had the reverse of this problem - the clutch is very fierce; I mean that when letting the clutch out most of the pedal upwards travel has no effect, the clutch starts to bite nearly at the top of the travel and is fully engaged after about an inch or so. There is adequate free play at the top.
This makes for pretty abrupt starts for unfamiliar drivers - or regulars who forget!
It has always been this way and remaineds so after a new clutch/release bearing were fitted. I also renewed the clutch linkage parts and there was no change.
I would be interested in any comments ? Are all Minor clutches ;ike this?

Post by **salty_monk** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:32 pm

Paul G, no they're not I don't know why yours should be, usually a sign of a clutch on it's way out or badly adjusted on any car...
Presumably you had a new release plate not just a friction plate when the clutch was done as I would have thought weak release springs may cause this. But then again.... maybe I'm wrong!

The 11/4 & 3/4 settings given above are correct. I know because my adjuster rod broke last week so I've recenyly delved into the world of Haynes...

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:33 pm

did you only change the clutch plate, and not the fuul clutch kit?

Post by **Willie** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:39 pm

You should check the condition of the clutch linkeage i.e.
one end of the relay shaft is mounted in a rubber bush(inside
the metal housing which is bolted to the side of the chassis leg)
and ,of course, all the clevis pins and their associated holes.
Renew any worn parts and then adjust the clutch pedal free
play. when correct you will be able to select any gear with
engine running without getting a 'crunch' and the clutch take up
will be smooth and progressive. I have recently collected a
recon gearbox from an expert and he recommended Castrol
15W-40 as the ideal oil for the Minor gearbox. He thinks that
20--50W leads to slight drag on gear changes.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:01 pm

as the clutch plate wears the release bearing on the pressure plate moves towards the fly wheel. many problems are caused by only replacing the clutch plate. snappy clutch caused by the clutch fork pulled forward, therefore leverage on fork from relay shaft in wrong position, clutch not disengauging caused by pressure plate wear causing thrust washer position to change against release bearing on fork.

pps ive got previous post wrong it think, as the clutch wears the pressure plate release bearing moves away from the clutch.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:05 pm

sorry...........
as the clutch wears the release bearing moves towards the gear box.
this causes a problem if only a plate is fitted. the clearence becomes to large so the wornout release bearing will not work properly
some garages may do this to make extra cash.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:07 pm

the release bearing on the pressure plate

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:15 pm

the pedals low because of the huge gap between 2 release bearings the adjustment has been used to compensate for it. it could be the linkage that has failed, rubbers bush wear on these linkage plates. but as the car had the problem after a new clutch i feel that this is the problem

Post by **Gareth** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:25 pm

Come on Brixton, there is an edit button, you know!

I'm a bit confused about which bits of your posts are correct, and which are not, what with it being expanded over four consecutive posts...

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:33 pm

terrible effort from me sorry.
didnt know that one gareth. still learning how to write too.

what i am trying to say is when a new clutch is fitted the pressure plate release bearing moves towards the fly wheel.
so if the original release bearing is not replaced the gap between the 2 bearings is large and wont come in to contact therefore the pedal bites near the floor.

Iam on a 12 hour day at ucl today and last tuesday.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:36 pm

did that do it for you Gareth?

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:37 pm

or am i to get the dreaded

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:38 pm

i thought the nuclear sign was to appear near my text

Post by **Gareth** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:40 pm

I see! I think it was just me being dim, as usual...

I was on the verge of digging out my 'Boys Book of Knowledge'... hehehe

Thanks for clearing that up; I can see what you meant now.

Post by **Gareth** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:42 pm

You daft beggar.

Just because I'm half asleep too, and I was taking my time over the typing...

Must say, you're close to getting a

now... hehehe ;)

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