Clutch Pedal Sticks

[Anteek29]

My '55 Vic's clutch pedal does not smoothly return all the way back to rest position. It hangs up a bit and then I have to nudge the pedal up to the stop by lifting my foot underneath the pedal. Looking under the dash I see the big return spring connected to a threaded rod which then connects to the pedal arm. Adjusting the threaded rod seems to have no effect. Other than facilitating installation and removal of the return spring, what is the purpose of the threaded rod?
Note: The threaded rod is not the same rod which goes down to the clutch.

[scicala]

It's a rod for the spring (over-center spring) to help the pedal return all the way to the rubber stop. Once the pedal goes so far up (return) the geometry of the rod location and spring pull the pedal all the way up. Seems like increasing the spring tension (adjustment), should help the pedal return all the way up. (unless there is something wrong with the clutch itself).


Sal

[Anteek29]

Thanks, Sal...the clutch is disengaged at the "dead zone". I am now thinking the spring is probably weak?

[packrat5]

I would venture a guess that none of the operating parts have seen any lubricating since 1955. Take it all apart, and lube all of the moving parts. If you can, try to get a dab or so of grease on the clutch fork pivot as well. The over center spring is just as the name implies, it does not have much if any effect on making the pedal come back up. You may also have a just plain worn out pressure plate, and the accompanying disc itself. How old is the clutch assembly? 1955? If you have replaced it at some time, was it a chinese one? (junk) The throw out bearing can also stick on the trans output shaft because of clutch disc dust, and prevent a full return as well.

[Anteek29]

Thanks, Packrat. Good suggestion re: disassembly and lubing everything.
The prior owner reportedly replaced the clutch...I do not know the details but it functions well.

[40cpe]

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How much free-play is at the top of the clutch travel now? If there is too much free play the pedal doesn't return to the top enough for the adjustable rod to be on the correct side of the over center position.

[Anteek29]

40 cpe: Bingo - there's alot of free play, almost 3".