Clutch adjustment : How to adjust clutch pedal?

Clutch adjustment : How to adjust clutch pedal?

Clutch has an important role to help the driver in controlling transmission gearshift while driving. The clutch function is to disconnect the power from the engine to the transmission so that the gearshift can be done easily.

Because of it's quite heavy role due to resist the friction of rotation between the engine and the transmission, the settings on the clutch pedal height and free play will gradually change. If we let this condition too late, then you may have bigger problem due to clutch slip and gear won't engage.

Doing clutch adjustment in a manual transmission vehicle is a relatively simple process that can often be completed in a short amount of time. However, it is an important task to ensure that the clutch is functioning properly and is able to engage and disengage smoothly.

There are 2 main keys on how to adjust clutch pedal. First is the clutch pedal's height, and second is clutch pedal free play. See the clutch pedal height and free play at the image below.

how to adjust clutch pedal

So here they are steps by steps to adjust clutch pedal for different kind types of clutch models. See the complete steps below..


1. Clutch pedal height adjustment


The first thing to do for clutch adjustment is to adjust the clutch pedal height. Clutch pedal height is the travel distance between the clutch pedal sits and the floor. Every car models have different height range value, so it is better to see your car repair manual for correct value adjusment.

But commonly, the value range used for clutch pedal height is between 7-9 in (177 mm - 228 mm), or if you don't have the right value for your clutch pedal height, you can adjust just the same as the brake pedal height.

To adjust clutch pedal height, you need some tools such as Metric open-end wrenches, flashlight or droplight,and 12 inch ruler.

Adjusting clutch pedal height
  1. Look at the clutch adjustment bolt position at the images below. The left images is the clutch pedal model with hydraulic clutch system, and the right images is the clutch pedal model with mechanical clutch system.
    clutch adjustment for pedal's height
  2. Use the open-end wrench to loosen the lock nut by turn it counterclockwise.
  3. Adjust the clutch pedal height to the spesific height range by turning the adjusting bolt counterclockwise to lowering the clutch pedal height, and turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to upperring the clutch pedal height.
  4. If you have the right clutch pedal height then turn clockwise the lock nut to lock up the adjusting bolt.
After clutch pedal height adjustment, the next thing to do is to adjust the clutch pedal free play. See the steps below


2. Clutch pedal free play adjustment


Clutch pedal free play is required to allow the clutch to fully engage and effectively lock together the engine and the drive train. Not having enough clutch pedal free play is very much like resting your foot on the clutch pedal while you’re driving. It will disengages the clutch slightly, allowing it to slip which actually suffers wear.

The general size used for the clutch pedal free play distance is in the range of 0.5-1.18 in (15-30 mm), but make it sure to look on your cars manual guidebook about the recommended distance.

To adjust clutch pedal height, you need some tools such as Metric open-end wrenches, flashlight or droplight, plier, and 12inch ruler.

Since there are many of clutch system models, we divided on how to adjust clutch pedal free play by it's mechanism. First, the clutch hydraulic model, second is by mechanical clutch model.

A. Clutch pedal free play for hydraulic model

  1. To adjust free play on hydraulic model, we use the clutch master cylinder pushrod. Look at the images below to adjust clutch pedal free play.
    clutch adjustment for pedal free play on hydraulic model
  2. Use open-end wrench that fit to the locking nut size, then loosen the lock nut.
  3. Use plier to rotate the pushrod in or out. Rotate clockwise to shorten pushrod and enlarge the freeplay of clutch pedal. Rotate counter-clockwise to extend pushrod and minimize the freeplay of clutch pedal.
    clutch adjustment for pedal free play on hydraulic model 1
  4. Adjust the free play distance of the clutch pedal in accordance with the specified size (for example: 0.9 in).
  5. Re-tighten the locking nut while holding the pushrod so that it is completely locked and not loose.

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B. Clutch pedal free play on mechanical model 1

  1. Look at the images below to adjust free play on on mechanical model 1
    clutch adjustment for pedal free play on mechanical model 1
  2. Use open-end wrench to rotate the self locking nut
  3. Rotate clockwise to minimize the clutch pedal freeplay and rotate counter clockwise to enlarge the clutch pedal freeplay.
  4. Adjust the clutch pedal free play as recommended spesific size for your car.

C. Clutch pedal free play on mechanical model 2

  1. Look at the images below to adjust free play on on mechanical model 2
    clutch adjustment for pedal free play on mechanical model 2
  2. Pull out the clutch cable until the adjusting nut is free to rotate
  3. Rotate the adjusting nut clockwise to minimize the clutch pedal free play and rotate counter clockwise to enlarge the clutch pedal freeplay.
  4. Let the clutch cable back to it's position and recheck the clutch pedal free play value.

As you make clutch adjustments, it is important to pay attention to the movement of the clutch pedal. The pedal should have a smooth, consistent travel, and should not feel too loose or too tight.

Once you have achieved the desired adjustment, you will need to tighten the locknut or lever to hold the adjustment in place. It is important to make sure that the locknut or lever is tightened properly, as a loose adjustment can lead to clutch slippage or other issues.

It is also a good idea to test the clutch after making adjustments to ensure that it is functioning properly. This can be done by starting the vehicle and shifting through the gears, paying attention to how smoothly the gears engage and disengage.

In conclusion, adjusting the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle is a simple process that can help ensure that the vehicle is operating at its best. By following the steps outlined above, you can make sure that your clutch is functioning properly and that you are able to shift gears smoothly and effectively.
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