Clutch free play.

[Mad4slalom]

Morning all.
I have a new clutch return spring (pedal lever to firewall) in the engine compartment. I notice that it seems a lot finer and weaker than the one currently in situ. I want to check my pedal free play but am struggling to feel if there is any as the spring is so strong. So strong that I cant easily disconnect it . Any tips for checking free play. I thought about cutting the old spring off and then just fitting the new one but wondered if the PO had fitted a stronger one for a reason or just used one he had in the workshop TiA

 

[Forrest Gump]

Loosen and back off nut A, then push the Swivel forwards until the thrust bearing contacts the clutch fingers. You can then check if you have the required 0.4” gap between swivel and nut B.

 

[Mad4slalom]

Loosen and back off nut A, then push the Swivel forwards until the thrust bearing contacts the clutch fingers. You can then check if you have the required 0.4” gap between swivel and nut B.

View attachment 28338

Thanks forest, can I do this procedure with the spring in place?

 

[Forrest Gump]

Okay, I see your problem - if the return spring is that strong I reckon you’ll need to remove it do the check. The diagram suggests 5lbs force is enough to overcome the spring, maybe yours is stronger than that? I can’t think why you would need it so strong - it doesn’t take much force to hold the pedal up.
I suppose you could back- off the rear nut B which would take the pressure off the spring so that you can remove it - if you didn’t want to cut it off.

 

[Mad4slalom]

Okay, I see your problem - if the return spring is that strong I reckon you’ll need to remove it do the check. The diagram suggests 5lbs force is enough to overcome the spring, maybe yours is stronger than that? I can’t think why you would need it so strong - it doesn’t take much force to hold the pedal up.
I suppose you could back- off the rear nut B which would take the pressure off the spring so that you can remove it - if you didn’t want to cut it off.

I have a new correct spring here, so may cut old one off and have a go at adjusting with new spring