Clutch Problems... Stuck Pressure Plate?

[danielhv]

I was driving along today and went to shift, and the pedal had a bunch of slack in it. It eventually came un-hooked from the clutch cable. Got it back to the shop, and it seemed like the clutch fork had alot of play in it. I thought the throwout bearing had come out of the clips on the fork. I have a new transmission coming anyways, so I went ahead and yanked this one. The throwout bearing is ok, the clutch fork isn't bent... My only guess is the pressure plate seems like its stuck, and won't disengage all the way? I replaced the clutch and pressure plate about 4 months ago... Went with a set from Orielly's since the car is stock and isn't driven hard. It puts a good # of miles on it, but it's all highway. Replaced the clutch cable at that time too.

Any ideas? I'm fixing to go pull the bellhousing, but wanted to get your thoughts coming in while I go do that.

[FoxBodyNick]

sure your cable isn't tearing?

[danielhv]

sure your cable isn't tearing?

I don't think so, but don't know for sure. It looks fine with what little bit I can see under the dash. And it moves smoothly through the sleeve. It was replaced with a new one 4 months ago when I did the clutch... so I sure hope it isn't tearing!

[Mysticcobrakilla]

Sounds like the quadrant let go

[danielhv]

Sounds like the quadrant let go

After only 4 months of driving? 95% highway? What would cause that?

[91CoupeMike]

Sounds like a loose cable or it's stretched.

Could also be corroded on the inside of the cable causing it to be stuck.

I bet this was your problem all along.. I have been there and done that, have the shirt and the shot glass to prove I was there.

[danielhv]

Sounds like a loose cable or it's stretched.

Could also be corroded on the inside of the cable causing it to be stuck.

I bet this was your problem all along.. I have been there and done that, have the shirt and the shot glass to prove I was there.

Even though the cable was replaced 4 months ago? and slides through easily (now that everything is disconnected)

How do I eliminate this as a possibility? Measure it or something?

[91CoupeMike]

Even though the cable was replaced 4 months ago... and slides through easily (now that everything is disconnected)

How do I eliminate this as a possibility? Measure it or something?

If it slides smoothly it could be stretched.

I doubt the plate is stuck or w/e it would slip.

[danielhv]

If it slides smoothly it could be stretched.

I doubt the plate is stuck or w/e it would slip.

I'll pull it and measure. Specs on it say it's 58.5". Hope its that easy!

[FoxBodyNick]

yes. ive went through 2 cables in the past 2 years from tears and stretching.

[91CoupeMike]

Even the slightest bit of stretch will cause your problem.

FYI

[jw33]

what brand cable?

[91GriggsGT]

Even the slightest bit of stretch will cause your problem.

FYI

START WITH THE CABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me. I just went thru this. Cost me track time in Atlanta too. Drove 26hrs for an hour of track time. Well worth it, but still a little upsetting. Here was my scenario:

I replaced the transmission, clutch package, and cable. Went with a regular old cable. I have a MM quadrant and firewall adjuster. Well, the last couple track events, I started noticing a weird feeling when I pushed in the clutch. Started thinking maybe throw out. Well, I did not have time to do anything before we left for Atlanta, so I took my chances.

Run #3 on Saturday, I come out of a turn, start accelerating thru my corner and go to grab 4th. Well, when I pushed in the clutch, something popped, the pedal stopped moving, and I was in neutral. Carried enough speed to get back onto pit and shut the car down. Put the car in gear, let off the brake, and it started rolling. Hmmm, not good. Got the wheel blocked and let the car cool for a bit.

Well, I go an pull the hood and notice the clutch fork seems to be foreward of where it should be, meaning there was pressure on the fork, not allowing the clutch disk to engage. First thought was something jammed inside the clutch package.

Ok, so Sunday am, I get the car on the trailer and figured I would get it taken care of when I got it home.

Fast forward to Tuesday morning. I go out, get the car on the lift and proceed to yank the transmission out. Get everything out and the clutch shit looks fine. No damage or carnage. Clutch fork is still jammed forward. Start working on the fork and cable, and "pop", everything seats like it should.

Now I am really pissed because I just found the problem. Pulled the cable and noticed some melted covering where the cable goes thru the bellhousing. I get the cable out and start bending it and straightening it out, and the cable starts sliding without effort.

So, I ordered a cable from Maximum, which is FAR better, got it installed, and everything is good to go. Some interesting info on their website too about bellhousing temps where that cable goes thru and also cable construction.

Sorry for the long read, but figured I would put my misery into perspective for you and try and help you to NOT repeat my mistake and misery.

And BTW, that MM cable is the SHIT!!! The effort to work the clutch is damn near nothing, as compared to the stock cable.

[danielhv]

Pulled the cable, and it measures 58.5". I'll go ahead and upgrade to the MM brand cable, and I have a UPR firewall adjuster that I ordered as well. Anything else I can check while I wait on this stuff to ship?

[91GriggsGT]

Personally, if it was me, I would order the MM cable, quadrant, and adjuster. They sell all that in a kit as well. I know the quads and adjusters are probably all the same, but I figured it would be easier going with all the same brand. Thats what I have, and the clutch is smoooooth.

You can also pick up a little insulator ring that goes on the cable and helps dissipate the heat transfer where it goes thru the bellhousing. Also, there is a heat sleeve you can put on too.

MMCP-51 $139.40 Cable kit
MMCL-15 $9.95 Heat Sleeve
MMCL-14 $7.95 Insulator ring