Date:         Thu, 8 Jun 2006 09:38:41 -0600
Reply-To:     vanagonvw <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         vanagonvw <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Clutch Pedal Freeplay
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Hi folks,

I checked the archives, and found some ideas and thoughts on 'adjusting' the
clutch pedal freeplay, and figured to ask the present day experts for their
opinions as well. (I know there is no formal "adjustment" procedure....)

My 81 AC has never had an issue with the clutch pedal free play,  always
grabbed near
the top of the travel, in spec with what bentley calls for, the master
and slave cylinders are fairly new, as in less than 25K, and the clutch
itself is somewhere around 40K, and does not exhibit any apparent problems.

This week I was on a trip, and noticed that the pedal has developed a lot of
free play at the top of the travel. It seems to have 'moved down' to where
the clutch grabs maybe 3/4" from the floor, which makes it really
uncomfortable to drive when it comes to pulling
away from the light, as it grabs quicker than I am used to and sometimes I
stall it, or lug the motor. That is how I know something has changed quite a
bit.

It shifts cleanly, not grinding, and the only noticeable differences is in
where the clutch grabs on the pedal travel. Other than that, nothing seems
to have changed.

The archives mention a pin that may be worn, and also how much of a pain it
is to get at that area. I am not going to be able to get at it from a
physical perspective, so I thought I better ask if there may be some other
things to check, or look at before I have to pay to get it repaired.

Has this happened to anyone else? Can I still use the van, or am I perhaps
approaching a failure mode that would leave me in the middle of nowhere?

I would appreciate hearing opinions and experiences, and will be digging out
my Bentley later today to see if there is anything else I can look at to try
and get the clutch free play back to where it ought to be. I know that in a
hydraulic system, there is no actual adjustment like with a cable, so I am
somewhat
taken aback that it has 'slippped' or 'moved' the way that it has......

Much obliged for any thoughts or suggestions.

Thanks a lot, and regards from Utah,

John