Broken clutch? Clutch pedal return spring?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Wildcat74, May 12, 2011.

  1. Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
    Omaha, NE
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    This morning when pulling out I pushed the clutch in and there was a small pop in the pedal and now it won't return all the way up as far as it did before. I can feel that the return pressure is only about half of what it was before the popping but the pedal will return to the point of letting the clutch engage and I can drive like normal. The truck isn't trying to hop when I take off like trucks I've driven in the past with jacked up clutches do.

    Is there a such thing as a clutch pedal return spring or have I done some kind of damage to the clutch itself? I crawled under the truck to take a look at the actual springs in the clutch and they look as though they're all intact. Any other ideas? If it is in fact a clutch pedal return spring will I be doing any damage if I continue to drive the truck without fixing it?

    The truck is a 1983 Pete 359 with Cat 3406B and Eaton-Fuller 13spd. If there's any other information I can give to help troubleshoot just let me know! Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Yes there are clutch pedal return springs. If the clutch is still operating the same, it does sound like just the return spring let go. If you can grab the pedal and pull it up by hand the rest of the way during the "free travel" part I would say just the return spring is broke.
     
  4. Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
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    That must be what it is then, fits the bill.
     
  5. gunner76

    gunner76 Medium Load Member

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    I had this happen on my 9400 last winter. One of the pins that holds two peices of the clutch linkage together had worked its way partially out and was causing the binding.
     
  6. 05chopper

    05chopper Light Load Member

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    Dec 25, 2008
    USA
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    Try disconnecting the linkage at the transmission then check peddle shafts for binding or bushings damage clutch fork could be worn too then check the clutch brake correct operation
     
  7. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2014
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    This same thing happened to me today. Exactly the same way. I looked down from the firewall and can see the spring hanging. I had a clutch done a few years ago and the shop I went to told me they put an easy pedal in, but it never seemed as easy as my last truck. Could a new spring make the difference. I'll be repairing it tomorrow, hope it does the trick. (379 Pete heavy spec).
     
  8. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Ok, repaired the spring. On a Pete 379, slide the batteries as far out of the box as you can, remove the U clamps that hold the air tank to the battery box, remove air tank, remove any broken parts of spring, attach new spring to the rear hole first , attach a bungie cord to the new spring, pull it forward as far as possible and hook to the front hole, replace everything and done. Only problem is now the clutch is heavier than before. Go figure.
     
    Mr. Cob Thanks this.
  9. Jfarm

    Jfarm Bobtail Member

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    Apr 18, 2022
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    I have a 2005 International 9400i. My clutch peddle doesn't return to the top. I've checked the return spring, and it is not broken. Does anyone know what else it could be?
     
  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Canuckistan
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    Sounds like its due for an adjustment.
     
  11. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Jul 12, 2017
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    Something is likely frozen up or binding in the linkage that the return spring is not strong enough to overcome. Could be anything between the pedal and the release bearing.

    Lube and adjust is a good place to start.
     
    spsauerland Thanks this.
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