the proper free play is obtained at the clutch pedal.
Retighten the first locknut. Recheck the free play at the
clutch pedal. As a final check, road test the car to check
clutch operation.
Cable linkage adjustment
The cable linkage uses a cable to connect the clutch
pedal to the clutch fork. Adjustment is made by a threaded
section, which passes through a bracket. This section is
located on the end of the cable linkage at the clutch fork.
See Figure 7-8.
Some cables are self-adjusting. If there is no free play on
a self-adjusting clutch, the adjustment mechanism is faulty or
the clutch is worn out. Note that in many vehicles with self-
adjusting clutch systems, the throwout bearing is always in
contact with the release levers or fingers. Such bearings are
called constant-duty throwout bearings. With the clutch
pedal fully released, the bearing makes light contact with the
release levers or fingers. Even so, there is enough slack in the
cable linkage to give some free play at the pedal.
If the clutch is the manually adjustable type, use a
ruler to measure the actual amount of free play at the
clutch pedal. Compare the amount against the manufac-
turer’s specifications. If the specs are not available, you
can assume that the free play is between 1″ and 1.5″
(25 mm and 38 mm). Also, check that the cable and other
linkage work freely and do not bind.
If the free play must be adjusted, loosen the locknut
holding the threaded portion of the cable sheath. There are
usually two locknuts holding the end of the cable to a
bracket. Leave the locknuts loose and alternately turn them
until the cable length is correct. Tighten the locknuts and
recheck the free play at the clutch pedal. Then, road test
the car and check clutch operation.
Hydraulic linkage adjustment
The hydraulic linkage uses hydraulic pressure to
transfer pedal movement to the clutch fork. As with the
previous adjusters, adjustment is made by a threaded
section on the linkage at the clutch fork. Adjustment to this
linkage changes the effective length of the pushrod at the
slave cylinder. See Figure 7-9.
Chapter 7 Clutch Problems, Troubleshooting, and Service 133
Bellcrank
or relay rod
Locknut
Pushrod
Clutch
fork
Flats for
wrench
Pushrod threaded
through pivot block
Figure 7-6. This shows a single-locknut adjuster.The locknut is
loosened and the pushrod is turned in or out to obtain the proper
free play.
Bellcrank
or relay rod
Locknuts
Pushrod
Clutch
fork
Pushrod can slide
through pivot block
Figure 7-7. This shows a double-locknut adjuster. One locknut
is backed away, the other is turned in the same direction to
adjust the pushrod length. Note that the pushrod slides through
the hole in the pivot block.
Locknuts Clutch
fork
attachment
Cable
Adjusting
threads
Cable sheath
Bracket
Figure 7-8. Adjusting free play in a cable linkage. The end of
the cable is threaded. Loosening the locknuts and moving the
cable makes the adjustment.
Hydraulic
line
Threaded
pushrod
Locknut Clutch
fork
Adjuster
Slave
cylinder
Dust boot
Figure 7-9. Adjusting free play in a hydraulic linkage. The
pushrod is often threaded. Shortening or lengthening the rod
adjusts free play. The pushrod is held by a locknut.