Hi, I just bought a '92 Subaru Legacy sedan and it needs a new clutch cable. I have the new cable but I've never worked on a Subaru. Is this something I myself can do or do I need to take it to a shop? I'd appreciate all the help and suggestions I can get. Thank you for your time.

Yeah. All you need is a small pair of pliers, and 10mm & 12mm box wrenches.

 

Loosen the lock nut on the threaded section at the release lever. Pull the cable forward and up out of the hook on the lever, then reach down and push the cable sheath out of the bracket on the transmission.

 

Inside the car, use the pliers to remove the lock clip that holds the sheath to the bracket. Then twist the cable up slightly and push to the side to remove the end of the cable from the pedal assembly.

 

Lift the shear up out of the bracket, then pull the cable into the car through the firewall.

Install in reverse of removal.

 

To adjust the cable, turn the adjusting nut until you have about 1/4" of free play in the release lever. Then tighten the lock nut.

If you have the hill holder you may need to adjust that as well.

Would the clutch fork have a lot of "play". Would that get fixed after I replace the clutch cable?

With the cable off you can move the fork around about an inch or so. But try not to move it around too much because you can break the clips off of the release bearing and cause a lot more problems.

 

Did the old cable actually break?

Just changed mine on a 99 Impreza Outback.  Fairtax4me spelled it out pretty well.  The time under the dash can be agonizing, blood rushing to the head and all.  Getting the clip off for me was the challenge.  Mine hadn't broken but I could feel a clicking when using the clutch.  After I got the old one out the cable and housing were fine but the end piece at the pedal where it is (riveted?) was worn and would have eventually broken. Bought the cable a year ago when I replaced the clutch with 230K on the clock.  But after replacing the clutch I blew off the cable until the clicking sound.