How to Adjust a Clutch Pedal (for the Right Amount of Free Play)
There are fewer vehicles on the road each year with a manual transmission. Even that new $50k sports car likely only comes with a slush box (automatic transmission) or possibly a dual-clutch transmission.
While more drivers prefer automatics and car manufacturers are offering less models with stick shifts, manual transmissions are still preferred by many due to two main reasons: driver involvement and cheaper maintenance/repairs.
But a potential downside of having a manual transmission is that sometimes a clutch pedal adjustment will be necessary. This article explains how, whether it’s a manual adjustment or self-adjusting clutch.
See Also: What Does “Riding the Clutch” Mean?
Signs That Your Clutch Needs Adjustment
How do you know if your clutch actually needs to be adjusted? The reasons are many:
- Clutch pedal feels different – The pedal feels softer or harder to press than usual.
- Difficulty shifting gears – You may find that it’s harder to shift gears smoothly. This could start off as grinding noises or resistance when trying to engage a gear.
- Vehicle creeps forward in gear – If your car moves forward when it’s in gear and the clutch pedal is fully pressed, there might be too much free play in the system.
- Clutch slipping – This happens when engine RPM go up but the car doesn’t accelerate as expected. It can indicate that the clutch isn’t fully engaging due to improper adjustment or that your clutch is on its last legs.
- High or low engagement point – When you need to press the clutch pedal almost all the way to the floor or barely at all to change gears.
- Inconsistent clutch feel – The clutch pedal seems to feel different each time you use it.
- Stalling when starting from a stop – While this can also indicate other problems, it sometimes happens when a clutch is out of adjustment and engages too suddenly.
The Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal is where it all starts. It offers the driver the ability to manually change gears while driving. Some level of skill is necessary to drive a stick shift and operate the clutch. As a reward, the driver makes a direct connection with the car allowing for a more fun driving experience
For the clutch to work properly, the right amount of play in the linkage between the clutch pedal and clutch fork (or release arm) is necessary. If not enough free play exists, a slipping clutch will result.
Too much play on the other hand would result in a vehicle that creeps forward when the clutch pedal is depressed and the car is in gear.
When it comes to adjusting the clutch on a vehicle, there is more than one way to successfully complete this task. Adjusting a clutch is not simply a one-size-fits-all process, as there are different types of clutch assemblies and therefore different types of clutch adjustments.
Here are two main ways in how to adjust a clutch pedal in your vehicle.
See Also: Driving With Both Feet – Good? Bad? Illegal?
Manual Clutch Pedal Adjustment
Tools Needed: Wrench set or adjustable wrench, flashlight, safety glasses (optional), gloves (optional).
The first step to take when making a manual clutch adjustment is to turn the engine off and engage the emergency brake. You’ll want to position yourself so your head is partly underneath the dashboard.
This will create the necessary visibility and access to make the manual adjustment. Those who are smaller in stature and have good flexibility obviously will have an easier time doing the pedal adjustment but almost anyone can get the job done.
Related: 6 Reasons Your Manual Transmission is Hard to Shift
Most vehicles will have a clutch cable with a threaded rod that has both a locknut and adjuster nut that determines the amount of free play the clutch pedal has. You’ll want to locate these two nuts which are located above the clutch pedal.
To adjust, simply pull up on the clutch cable and loosen the locknut and the adjuster nut slightly. Next, slowly pull up on the clutch cable again. You will feel a point where the clutch fork engages. This is where the clutch cable should be adjusted to.
While keeping pressure on the clutch cable so it’s in that exact position, tighten both the locknut and adjuster nut so the cable holds in that position. Your clutch pedal should now be in the optimal position.
Here’s a good video of clutch adjustment process:
Self-Adjusting Clutch Adjustment
In theory, a self-adjusting clutch is supposed to adjust itself for the correct amount of free play. But sometimes it needs a little help. As it uses a hydraulic clutch pedal, this type of clutch adjustment is typically going to be the easier one to complete, no matter what the experience level of the technician is.
See Also: Symptoms of a Bad Clutch Master Cylinder
With the engine running and the park brake engaged, simply put a foot underneath the clutch pedal and lift up and towards yourself.
You can then test and verify the results of this adjustment by depressing the clutch pedal and putting the vehicle into gear. Check the distance that the clutch must move down before the gears can be changed.
If this type of clutch adjustment doesn’t provide the desired results for the vehicle owner, then it’s recommended that a vehicle owner or mechanic attempt a manual clutch adjustment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues After Adjustment
Even after adjusting your clutch, you might encounter some issues. Fortunately, they are often easy to fix. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Issue #1 – Clutch Still Slipping
If your clutch continues to slip after adjustment, you may need to readjust it. Try decreasing the free play slightly. If the problem continues, your clutch might be worn out and in need of replacement. In this case, it’s best to get the pros involved unless you feel you can handle a clutch replacement.
Issue #2 – Difficulty Shifting Gears
When you’re having trouble shifting gears after adjustment, you might have overcorrected. Try increasing the free play a bit. If this doesn’t help, check that the clutch cable isn’t binding or frayed. Sometimes, lubricating the cable can solve this issue.
Issue #3 – Clutch Pedal Feels Too Stiff
A stiff clutch pedal after adjustment could mean you’ve tightened things too much. Increase the free play slightly and see if that improves the feel. If the pedal remains stiff, there might be an issue with the clutch hydraulics or release bearing.
Issue #4 – Clutch Engages Too High (or Too Low)
If the engagement point feels “off” after adjustment, you’ll need to fine-tune your work. For a high engagement point, increase the free play. For a low engagement point, decrease it. Make small adjustments until it feels right and dialed in.
Issue #5 – Vehicle Still Creeps in Gear
When your car continues to creep forward in gear with the clutch pedal pressed, you likely need to decrease the free play further. Make small adjustments until the problem goes away.
Issue #6 – Inconsistent Clutch Feel
If the clutch feels different each time you use it after adjustment, there might be air in the hydraulic system (for hydraulic clutches) or a problem with the clutch cable (for cable-operated clutches). Bleeding the hydraulic system or replacing the cable might be necessary.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
Clutch peugeot 206 high can it be adjusted
Most clutch pedals are adjustable. See a repair manual for the process for your particular vehicle. Sometimes you can find help in forums or videos online.
Is this your vehicle? Take a look at this video and see if it helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDXejZIxLzw