Clutch Problems - Where to look First

[Aaron]

Recently, I've been having more and more problems with my clutch. Before I start here, my clutch is ALWAYS very stiff. It's been this way since I bought the car 3 years ago. Well, now more problems are developing and I want to know where to look first.
Like I said, my clutch is always very stiff. Well recently, as the car warms up, it becomes very hard to get into gear - especially first and reverse. When I bought the car, the previous owner said the car has an aftermarket clutch but couldn't tell me what kind, so I do not know what's currently installed. Is this a clutch problem? Is the clutch cable stretched? I'm hoping the gear problem isn't the transmission itself. Anybody have some ideas on where to start first?

 

[marine_2003]

The forks on the clutch pressure plate might be broken which will not allow you to shift into gear. I would try the fingers on the pressure plate, Try adjusting the cable first, then check the fingers.

 

[Aaron]

Aren't the stock cables pretty much not adjustable?

 

[marine_2003]

Thats right, i forgot. the forks might be broken.

 

[Aaron]

Yea - but the gear problems only seem to start when the car warms up. Wouldn't a bent fork cause problems all the time?...I guess I was leaning towards a stretched cable or something like that. Does this make sense?

 

[marine_2003]

A bent fork wouldnt necessarily do it all the time, due to the fact that the throw out bearing could still push against it. it could also be a streteched cable, start there, replace the cable and see if that works for you.

 

[Aaron]

Would a bent fork cause my clutch to be stiff? That has ALWAYS been a problem.

 

[marine_2003]

Not sure if a bent fork would cause the clutch to be stiff but the cable would be a big factor in the clutch being stiff.

 

[90mustangGT]

What quadrant and cable are your running? If stock, that's a problem. A stretched cable and the clutch will not fully disengauge, making it hard to shift.

 

[Aaron]

I'm pretty sure the cable is stock. A stretched cable is what I was thinking too...I just wanted to get some additional opinions. Thanks for the info.

 

[83Rag]

Are you still running the original bearing retainer on the front of the transmission?

 

[90mustangGT]

Are you still running the original bearing retainer on the front of the transmission?

Good point, I have heard of that being an issue. But, lets start with the small stuff that needs fixing anyways.

 

[5spd GT]

Yep, I bet it is the cable.

www.buyfordracing.com sells a new OEM cable (non-adjustable) and a clutch fork with it for $40 bucks. Solved my hard pedal problem and sounds like the problem your describing.

The heating up problem can be the heat from the headers against the cable or from the tranny. That would explain that problem.

Good Luck

 

[83Rag]

The clutch in my coupe was brutally stiff. Can't hold the clutch pedal down at a light stiff. Wouldn't go into gear with clutch depressed, especially 1st and reverse. I replaced the cable and original plastic quadrat with a UPR triple hook and the supplied adjustable cable. Clutch pedal still stiff and couldn't maintain an adjustment on the firewall adjuster. Cable finally broke (like 3 months)... I replaced the cable with a Ford Racing Adjustable cable, the clutch fork and pivot ball.... Yanked the trans and replaced the bearing retainer with a steel one and while I was in there, I put a King Cobra clutch kit I'd had in another car for a brief time (with the accompanying flywheel). Smooth and predictable... more hook..... nicer to drive all around. Hope this helps.... Bob

 

[Aaron]

OK - well it looks like I'm gonna end up replacing my clutch cable and quadrant while I'm at it. I've been looking at a Steeda setup which consists of an adjustable cable, double hook quadrant and firewall adjuster. Here's a link: http://www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/ClutchAdjusterKits.htm
I started to do some searching on this forum (yes some people actually search like they're supposed to!), and noticed that a number of people have said not to buy an adjustable cable because they stretch out fairly quickly. Should I avoid this setup?

2nd question - MANY people have said that replacing the quadrant is a major PITA. I'm ok with working on my Stang, but I'd hate to run into a problem mid stream and have to get the car towed somewhere because I couldn't complete the job.

Feedback is definately appreciated!

 

[90mustangGT]

OK - well it looks like I'm gonna end up replacing my clutch cable and quadrant while I'm at it. I've been looking at a Steeda setup which consists of an adjustable cable, double hook quadrant and firewall adjuster. Here's a link: http://www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/ClutchAdjusterKits.htm
I started to do some searching on this forum (yes some people actually search like they're supposed to!), and noticed that a number of people have said not to buy an adjustable cable because they stretch out fairly quickly. Should I avoid this setup?

2nd question - MANY people have said that replacing the quadrant is a major PITA. I'm ok with working on my Stang, but I'd hate to run into a problem mid stream and have to get the car towed somewhere because I couldn't complete the job.

Feedback is definately appreciated!

Steeda is good, and maby some people have issues with an adjustable clutch but I don't see why because they are usually the same as a non-adjustable but have a threaded end where you can adjust. Get a QUALITY unit and avoid the problem.

The quadrant isn't bad at all, it's the adjuster unit of the qudrant that has no room to come off so you usually have to pry it out which is a pain, but don't worry about those parts because they are no longer used with the new kit.

 

[Aaron]

Steeda also offers a NON-adjustable cable, double hook quadrant and firewall adjuster for the same price. Maybe I should look at this instead? It still comes with the firewall adjuster.