Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Discuss mechanical problems here.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

Hi All,

The clutch adjusting rod has snapped on my 1968 Minor 1000.
I notice that the rod itself is not lying horizontal, there is a tilt at the threaded end.
Images attached.

Should there be a tilt? If not does it mean that the part the threaded end goes through is too short or maybe fitted incorrectly?
Other than replacing the rod which other parts should be replaced? Please send a link if you can.

Thank you for reading and your help/advice.

Regards,
Robert
366794882_3388840354779989_7301025560648965936_n (1).jpg
366794882_3388840354779989_7301025560648965936_n (1).jpg (86.05 KiB) Viewed 607 times
366789843_1245271249505853_5736335131748294575_n.jpg
366789843_1245271249505853_5736335131748294575_n.jpg (148.95 KiB) Viewed 607 times
myoldjalopy
Minor Legend
Posts: 2538
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:32 pm
Location: Kernow
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by myoldjalopy »

Is the tilt simply caused by it being snapped in two? Was there a tilt before it snapped?
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

myoldjalopy wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:39 pm Is the tilt simply caused by it being snapped in two? Was there a tilt before it snapped?
Thanks for your reply.
I wish I knew but the components were fitted before my ownership.
I'm trying to find a stock photo.
myoldjalopy
Minor Legend
Posts: 2538
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:32 pm
Location: Kernow
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by myoldjalopy »

I think it is simply hanging down where it snapped. It should be straight, looky here: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/clutc ... od-p829548
I would simply replace it.
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

myoldjalopy wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:19 pm I think it is simply hanging down where it snapped. It should be straight, looky here: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/clutc ... od-p829548
I would simply replace it.
Agree but I am assessing whether the threaded end of the rod should be exposed/visible before the rod enters the clutch fork.
This is not the case in a stock photo.
Screenshot 2023-08-16 213424.png
Screenshot 2023-08-16 213424.png (1.45 MiB) Viewed 573 times
myoldjalopy
Minor Legend
Posts: 2538
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:32 pm
Location: Kernow
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by myoldjalopy »

I wouldn't worry about that, it will depend on how much adjustment has been made. When you get the new one, if the free movement at the pedal is too much, then move the adjusting nut towards the rear of the car and vice-versa.
philthehill
Minor Maniac
Posts: 10818
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:05 pm
Location: Hampshire
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by philthehill »

The snapping of the release rod is not an uncommon occurrence.
There is enough flexibility built into the operating linkage to accommodate some degree of mis-alignment.
The release arm moves in a arc and for the link to operate correctly a special nut with a convex/spherical face is used and which fits into the concave hollow at the end of the release arm.
The stock photo above appears to have a bicycle hub nut fitted to the operating rod between the release arm and the special nut so is not a good example of how things should be and should be ignored.
Whilst the gearbox in the photo above is of a 'A' Series gearbox it is not a Morris Minor gearbox as it has the threaded holes for a hydraulic slave cylinder. The bicycle hub nut may have been fitted to make a hybrid clutch work.
Just examine the rest of the clutch release linkage and if any sign of wear to the various parts replace them.
Make sure that all moving parts are well greased/lubricated.

myoldjalopy
Minor Legend
Posts: 2538
Joined: Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:32 pm
Location: Kernow
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by myoldjalopy »

Well spotted about the 'bicycle hub nut', Phil. What a bodge! That in itself would prevent the thread showing the other side of the release arm.....
User avatar
Bill_qaz
Minor Addict
Posts: 637
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 7:31 pm
Location: Oxfordshire
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by Bill_qaz »

You may find this video helpful
https://youtu.be/ScloEDuLI_w

Come to adjust mine today and found the reason for excessive free play that was getting worse. The adjusting nut and locknut could be turned with your fingers :roll: Self adjusting clutch :lol: Once the play was adjusted the locknut was pinched up against the adjusting nut with two spanners as intended. Hopefully problem solved.
Regards Bill
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

:tu1:
myoldjalopy wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:19 pm I think it is simply hanging down where it snapped. It should be straight, looky here: https://www.morrisminorspares.com/clutc ... od-p829548
I would simply replace it.
Thank you.
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

philthehill wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:16 am The snapping of the release rod is not an uncommon occurrence.
There is enough flexibility built into the operating linkage to accommodate some degree of mis-alignment.
The release arm moves in a arc and for the link to operate correctly a special nut with a convex/spherical face is used and which fits into the concave hollow at the end of the release arm.
The stock photo above appears to have a bicycle hub nut fitted to the operating rod between the release arm and the special nut so is not a good example of how things should be and should be ignored.
Whilst the gearbox in the photo above is of a 'A' Series gearbox it is not a Morris Minor gearbox as it has the threaded holes for a hydraulic slave cylinder. The bicycle hub nut may have been fitted to make a hybrid clutch work.
Just examine the rest of the clutch release linkage and if any sign of wear to the various parts replace them.
Make sure that all moving parts are well greased/lubricated.
Thank you.
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

Bill_qaz wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 9:50 am You may find this video helpful
https://youtu.be/ScloEDuLI_w

Come to adjust mine today and found the reason for excessive free play that was getting worse. The adjusting nut and locknut could be turned with your fingers :roll: Self adjusting clutch :lol: Once the play was adjusted the locknut was pinched up against the adjusting nut with two spanners as intended. Hopefully problem solved.
Thank you.
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

Couldn't make out if there should a bush in the clutch operating fork where the rod feeds through, any idea?
Thanks
User avatar
Bill_qaz
Minor Addict
Posts: 637
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2022 7:31 pm
Location: Oxfordshire
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by Bill_qaz »

Don't think so the arm is cupped and the adjusting nut is domed which gives it angular movement during travel. Put grease at contact area.
Good luck with the repair.
Screenshot_20230818-104934_Google.jpg
Screenshot_20230818-104934_Google.jpg (141.51 KiB) Viewed 466 times
Regards Bill
fasthamster
Minor Friendly
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:58 am
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Snapped Clutch Adjusting Rod

Post by fasthamster »

Bill_qaz wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 10:45 am Don't think so the arm is cupped and the adjusting nut is domed which gives it angular movement during travel. Put grease at contact area.
Good luck with the repair.
Screenshot_20230818-104934_Google.jpg
Spot on, thanks for the insight.
Post Reply