Clutch Cable Replacement
What is a clutch cable?
The clutch cable connects the clutch pedal to the clutch fork. Using two levers and a cable, pressing the clutch becomes almost effortless in most applications.
How does the clutch cable work?
The clutch pedal is a lever that increases the amount of force you apply. When the clutch cable is pulled by the clutch pedal, the other end pulls on the clutch fork, which disengages the clutch. When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch pulls the cable tight, providing the force felt when pressing the clutch.
An incorrectly adjusted or faulty clutch cable can make the clutch pedal hard to depress, even after a clutch replacement.
What are the symptoms related to a bad clutch cable?
When the clutch cable fails, the pedal will fall to the floor, and it will be impossible to use the vehicle. Attempting to enter any gear will result in grinding, and if successful the vehicle will lurch forward and stall.
Can I drive with a clutch cable problem?
Driving a vehicle with a broken clutch cable is only possible if the transmission is shifted improperly, and push-started at every stop. While this may save a few dollars on wrecker services, it can cost the replacement of the manual transmission. It is better to have the vehicle towed, than risk further damage.
How often do clutch cables need to be replaced?
Clutch cables are simple, require no maintenance, and fail after long periods of use. Most vehicle's are well past the 100,000 mile mark before the clutch cable needs attention, and most manual transmission vehicle's with over 175,000 miles have had this cable replaced.