10 replies to this topic

[josepgoncalves]

Hi 

 

It's the second time this week that I've to adjust the clutch free play. It went  from 1 cm to 2 cm. I've adjusted it, and two days later the same. The top and bottom adjusters are on the limit. I suspect it is the cable because the  lever on the engine is not on the normal position with the clutch fully depressed, but I do not believe the cable is stretching.

 

Any thoughts about it?

 

 

[Nog]

Sounds a bit odd to be suddenly adjusting the free play so much.  Even over a long period of time I wouldn't expect to adjust like that.

 

I'd have a closer look at things - if it suddenly 'stretches' like that I'd guess the cable is snapping and as it's unwinding at the break it's gaining length which would mean it could snap on you any minute.

 

Is the clutch operating ok still and does the lever on the clutch cover return to the correct position when engaged?

[Nig]

Sort of the problem happened to me a few years back. Had to adjust the clutch a few times in a short period but ran out of adjustment.

It just seemed to fail / stretch very quickly towards the end of its life.

Flagged an OEM cable on (£33) and I have never needed to mess about with it again.

[fixitsan]

I switched to a heavy duty clutch recently, it adjusted normally and off I went. Then one day in traffic I noticed it dragging and couldn't get neutral. It seems this particular clutch expands a little bit when hot, when slipping the clutch in traffic. I've managed to adjust the cable to somewhere that gives me the best of both worlds.

 

Is your problem heat/type of use related ?

[josepgoncalves]

I switched to a heavy duty clutch recently, it adjusted normally and off I went. Then one day in traffic I noticed it dragging and couldn't get neutral. It seems this particular clutch expands a little bit when hot, when slipping the clutch in traffic. I've managed to adjust the cable to somewhere that gives me the best of both worlds.

 

Is your problem heat/type of use related ?

 

No. Once it gets loose it stays loose.

Sounds a bit odd to be suddenly adjusting the free play so much.  Even over a long period of time I wouldn't expect to adjust like that.

 

I'd have a closer look at things - if it suddenly 'stretches' like that I'd guess the cable is snapping and as it's unwinding at the break it's gaining length which would mean it could snap on you any minute.

 

Is the clutch operating ok still and does the lever on the clutch cover return to the correct position when engaged?

 

It is operating, but the biting point gets too close to the handler.

[Nog]

 

No. Once it gets loose it stays loose.

 

It is operating, but the biting point gets too close to the handler.

 

Just to cut out the obvious, how old is the cable?

 

If we're talking donkeys years old, then the best bet is simply the cable is on it's last legs as Nig says, especially if you've used up the adjustment at both ends of the cable.

[josepgoncalves]

 

Just to cut out the obvious, how old is the cable?

 

If we're talking donkeys years old, then the best bet is simply the cable is on it's last legs as Nig says, especially if you've used up the adjustment at both ends of the cable.

 

Follow advices and already bought a new one. I've opted for a used one (27000Kms). Mine was 90000Kms and hope it solves.

I've taken the opportunity and also  bought a rear shock to try to solve my knock/knock problem on the rear.

 

Thanks for all the advices!

[Nog]

Mine was 90000Kms

 

Er, yeah I think that may have been the problem

[dandywarhol]

Adjust it at the gearbox side first and make sure the angle between the cable and the arm isn't more than 90 deg, otherwise the action won't be effective

[Pedro]

Mine starting doing that and not long after, it snapped. It's probably starting to fray and eventually PING! Best check it and if in doubt get a new one and eliminate the cable from the equation.

[CharlieMac]

I also had the same problem and thought that the clutch must be on the way out. Despite continually adjusting the cable, the biting point was always very nearly at the full extent of the lever and very abrupt. Normal service was resumed with the fitting of a new cable. A bit of a basa to replace, but hopefully will last a good few years.