Clutch pedal not returning fully

[youngb506]

The clutch pedal on my 57 saloon doesn't come up the last half inch. I can raise it with a finger under the pedal without force, just lifting the weight of the pedal but it will then drop back again. Nothing wrong with the return spring attached to the gearbox housing or the break pedal return spring. The bush around the shaft, in between break and clutch pedal is lubricated and not seized. Any ideas appreciated. I feel the pedal should be right up. I don't drive with my foot on the pedal.

[philthehill]

Adjust the linkage to take out any slack but still retain the 3/4" free play.
Removing the slack will allow the return spring to pull the pedal up against the underside of the floor.
If doing the above does not work replace the return spring Pt No: 1G5999 (MOSS).

[youngb506]

Thanks for your reply. It's already adjusted to 3/4" free movement at the top of the pedal because I recently changed the long threaded L shaped arm. Must be a weak spring, then?

[Plymo]

I had the same problem on mine. The spring looked fine but when I took it off it was clear it was not "springy" enough. The replacement was much stronger and solved the problem instantly, it's a cheap fix to try before you disturb anything else

[Nickol]

You could test whether the spring is strong enough (or just doing ist Job) by going underneath the car and pulling on the arm where it is arrowed in Phils Diagramme. This will raise the pedal to where it should be and if the spring is not strong enough, you will be able to see the pedal immediately drop down again. A new spring costs virtually nothing anyway.

[youngb506]

I've been under the car and pulling on the arrowhead bit brings the pedal up to where it should be and then it drops a little when I let go. I took the spring off and it feels a bit too easy to stretch to me so Ill order one fron ESM.

[Declan_Burns]

Some of the repro springs are too strong and good for beefing up leg muscles. I fitted two weak springs in parallel. The spring should, in my opinion, just be strong enough so that the pedal returns home. Anything more is a waste of energy.
Regards
Declan

[philthehill]

There are two clutch pedal return springs fitted to the 'A' Series Minor.

The 948cc clutch pedal return spring is Pt No: 1G 5999 - the 1098cc clutch pedal return spring is Pt No: AAA531.

There is also a fork spring quoted on the MOSS spares list Pt No: AAA1628.
In the BMC parts list there is only one spring fitted & utilised for clutch pedal return.

I agree with Declan - only use a spring with sufficient strength to pull the clutch pedal up against the underside of the floor.