Clutch

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:21 pm

Shaft etc is very inexpensive - compared to new clutch. So inspect the links etc carefully - easy to install, but just do one part at a time so you don't get 'lost' !

Post by **katiekat** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:26 pm

Thanks, I'll have a look in my books!

Post by **mike.perry** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:37 pm

Nope. Just time consuming

Post by **katiekat** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:53 pm

I had a look in my manual and Cassell book but I didn't really understand it. Has anyone put a guide on this forum?

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:58 pm

Katie,
You can of course adjust the pedal postition relative to where the clutch bites. That's what the nut and threaded rod is for. The further you adjust the nut towards the front of the car the further you have to put your foot down before the clutch engages and the greater the free play. The further you adjust the nut towards the back of the car has the opposite effect.
My clutch is new and I just had a look and there's approx. 1 inch adjustment left on the rod towards the rear. I don't think you have a worn clutch problem but a linkage problem as mentioned above.
I also found that the return springs that are currently being sold are a bit on the heavy side. I used a lighter spring (actually two) from the DIY and I found it much easier to operate. It's really only to lift the pedal through the free play zone back to the end stop. If you really have problems with your foot, a hydraulic clutch operating system could be retro-fitted and I'm sure there are plenty who could advise you whether it would be a help or not. I've never tried it.

Post by **katiekat** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:44 pm

Thanks Declan, that's very helpful. I put her on the ramps today and oiled the linkage parts. That did seem to help but the clutch pedal is still quite stiff.

I have already fully adjusted the nuts on the rod and the biting point seems ok now.

I have never driven a moggie before so I don't know if the clutch is normal or not. To me, the pedal seems quite stiff. I have had four beetles in the past and never had this problem, so what I need to know is 'how stiff is your clutch pedal?'

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm really enjoying moggie ownership, even though my left foot is quite sore!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:54 pm

The 'stiff' action is almost certainly because you have fitted a 'too strong' spring as mentioned above. Try a weaker one - but don't run the car without any spring in place.

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:40 pm

Katie,
With the weaker spring I find the clutch quite light to operate. It made a hell of a difference on mine. I don't really find it much different to a modern car. As I mentioned, I used two fairly light springs in parallel to get it right. I think you just have to play around a bit to get it right. Springs only cost a few pence at a hardware store. Just like elastic bands you can double them up until you get what you feel is the most comfortable tension. As Alex mentioned above check the linkage and lubricate it well. It's relatively easy to replace and does give a bit of piece of mind knowing it's new.