Mechincal clutch tips

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by dogchimp, Dec 23, 2013.

  1. dogchimp

    dogchimp Medium Load Member

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    I'm used to a hydraulic clutch, and just recently got a truck with a mechinical clutch in it, and that thing is hard as hell to push down, I find I'm having to use my whole leg to get that puppy down, and it's causing me to have a hard time backing up, I imagine it will get easier with time once it feels more normalized to me, but are there any tips that will make it easier for now
     
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  3. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    As we already know, there will surely be a significant difference in pedal pressure between the hydraulic & the mechanical, but just make sure that it isn't *excessive/untypical* pressure required to push it. It isn't beyond possibility that it's binding or some yahoo replaced the return spring with one that is strong enough to double for a coil spring in a Chevy pickup front suspension. ;) Best to find someone used to mechanical clutches to ask, if possible. Wish I was there,, lol. Yes, my left leg is larger than my right.

    Chances are, it's just you having been used to the much easier hydraulic. If that's the sole case, then just adjust your seat for the best "push positioning", learn to grunt on the downstroke, and you'll get used to it in short order.
     
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  4. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Lotsa squats...
     
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  5. Touk

    Touk Light Load Member

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    Is it only hard to push at a certain point, or all the way from the top? Typically when they're that hard, it's because someone had a worn out clutch disc/throw out bearing and they just kept adjusting it til they replaced it. Then when it got replaced, they didn't readjust it back to allow for the new thickness of the material on the disc. Sometimes, but not likely, if someone replaces the whole clutch assembly (springs included) they don't put stiffer springs on it unless they're using the clutch excessively. For instance: if you had a tractor that you did a lot of steep angle bush hogging on, then you'd want a better clutch set up to take the harsh demands of repeatedly using the clutch.

    I'd stop by a transmission shop and have them push in on it. They'll be the best ones to tell you if it's set up right or not.
     
  6. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    Touk, the possible "replaced" spring I was referring to was the return spring (up under the dash), for the pedal return.
    Ive seen trucks with jury-rigged "extra" pedal return springs. Was just a possibility to be checked.
     
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  7. Touk

    Touk Light Load Member

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    Ahh yea, I remember that lil booger now. I totally forget about that thing all the time, mainly because I never mess with that spring. Most of the problems exist "down below". I've seen guys say their pedal doesn't return fast enough etc, but in reality it's their clutch disc that's worn out and the pedal takes longer to travel farther. I've tried to explain that concept to some drivers before, but.....well let's just say they should be in an automatic lol
     
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  8. "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

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    Jam a couple off these under the brake and fuel pedal --should even things up! View attachment 59756
     
  9. dogchimp

    dogchimp Medium Load Member

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    So I was pushing on the clutch to get used to it with my leg, and it really isn't that bad, I've found just a smooth heavy down stroke works while, but noticed it is stiff all the way through to where the clutch brake engages...have a feeling with my co drivers knee though we won't be in this truck for too long, his clutch knee is bad and he was complaining about how hard it is to push down when it flares up, he's been in the truck for 3 weeks
     
  10. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Usually the Eaton easy pedal clutches are not that bad. I have seen the shafts that go thru the bell housing for the clutch fork bind up and make it hard to push. Usually from lack of grease and old hard grease If they have a bunch of wear they can actually #### side ways a little. Also like said before if clutch was replaced but not adjusted right the arm that linkage hooks to that works the fork can get too low and you loose much needed leverage.
     
  11. KW Cajun

    KW Cajun Road Train Member

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    re: wore out's post

    I didn't know "rooster" was a banned word. ;)
     
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