Overcenter spring rubbing

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AKrum

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I’m having issues with my clutch pedal returning all the way. Upon further inspection the over center is rubbing on a bracket. I’m not sure if the spring is on correct for that matter. Still haven’t ruled out other issues in the clutch linkage but it shifts fine. Any help is appreciated.

67931088-4D88-4313-BFBE-CDAB31A66394.jpeg
 
You either have a worn bearing/bushing in the pedal pivot shaft assembly of there is something misaligned in the clutch linkage driving the pedal over. For whatever reason the a body pedals are not nearly as beefy as the b body stull and folds easily.

Carefully check alignment of the clutch linkage below while a helper activated the pedal.

(with the wheels blocked if you are on an uneven surface lol)
 
You could pull the spring out and see if thete is a lot of play.

Intresting spring removal methoud i recently found out about...

Take washers or other relatively thick pieces that you can get in there and with spring stretched during pedal application put the shims between the spring coils. Release the pedal and the spring will be loose.

Dont know what thickness or how many would be needed to spread the spring enough to remove it.

Stumbled on this photo
mopp_1012_08_o-four_speed_a_body_clutch_pedal_adjustment-over_center_spring.jpg
 
Last edited:
You could pull the spring out and see if thete is a lot of play.

Intresting spring removal methoud i recently found out about...

Take washers or other relatively thick pieces that you can get in there and with spring stretched during pedal application put the shims between the spring coils. Release the pedal and the spring will be loose.

Dont know what thickness or how many would be needed to spread the spring enough to remove it.

Wow! That s an awesome trick. I wish I learned that years ago before I lost that finger. Lol!
 
Is the pedal bracket from a stick shift car? They had a little brace on them that automatic cars don't have. If you use the clutch pedal with the auto bracket, the bracket will deflect and the spring will drag. I found that out when I converted mine.
 
Is the pedal bracket from a stick shift car? They had a little brace on them that automatic cars don't have. If you use the clutch pedal with the auto bracket, the bracket will deflect and the spring will drag. I found that out when I converted mine.
Is the pedal bracket from a stick shift car? They had a little brace on them that automatic cars don't have. If you use the clutch pedal with the auto bracket, the bracket will deflect and the spring will drag. I found that out when I converted mine.

That is probably it. Thanks for that!
 
Maybe this can help. '69 hd pedal. Has been in the car as long as I've had it.
upload_2021-9-15_8-19-20.png

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Looks like you have more clearance between the bracket and OC spring closest to the firewall. I’m wondering if I just bend that bracket slightly off the spring if it would fix it.
 
Go to a diaphragm clutch, if it doesn't already have it.
Take the over center spring off, and give it to your neighbor.
The clutch is soooo much smoother without it.
 
The washers work, but it's easier to just remove the steering column and take the whole thing out. The spring is easy then, but thats just me. Make sure all of the geometry is correct from inside the car all the way into the bellhousing.
 
"Make sure all of the geometry is correct from inside the car all the way into the bellhousing.
As CRUZE points out, it's the first thing you do.
Secondly, have another person work the pedal slowly as you watch the linkage motion all the way into the release bearing.
....I’m wondering if I just bend that bracket slightly off the spring if it would fix it.
Possibly, I guess...... but I'm thinking a spring with that amount of pressure isn't going to let that bracket stop it.
Looks like the spring is fully collapsed in your picture. Is your pedal down some (off) the peddle stop at that point? When the pedal is full up to the stop, does the spring feel loose on the pins like it's too long?
 
Also, you shouldn't need that other spring, seen in your picture. . The spring from the clutch to bellhousing determines your free play. Pedals aren't always even, my clutch pedal sits below the brake pedal. After checking geometry, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take that pedal cage out and go through it, its 52 years old. Bead blast, paint, maybe new bushings and grease.
I can talk you through the easy way to remove and install the spring. Or, you can do the washer thing.
 
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