About 10 years ago, I broke the clutch cable and bought a new one. From what I remember, it was a real nasty time getting the darn thing to install. After I got it in it, I vaguley remember that I did not think it was installed 100% correct and I have never been real happy with the rough pedal feel. But is worked and thats ok wth me, Yesturday I shifted and heard a pop and now the pedal freeplay is larger and I am wondering, maybe in 98, I installed a 83 cable to my 84 GL 1.8. Do any of you think that is possible? or most likely I just installed it wrong? SC

 

I also think the pop sound means I get to revisit changing the cable again

ther are two types of cables from that time and place.one is super simple,and one is a ***************.if you had a hard time ,lets just hope it was inexperience and youth thwarting your install.if it was because you have the hard install then take your drivers side seat out and give yourself some room to work.oh, and it is pretty much mandatory that you drink a beer when doing this as not to breakanything.cheers,brian

Cable routing seems to have a great effect on pedal effort. Yours (like mine ) may have gotten misrouted, and the extra strain may have led to its early demise.

All my cable seem to break while waiting in traffic to make a Left Hand Turn!

 

If it poped and you still have a pedal at all somethings up?

 

All my cables gave up instantly and completely, no kinda breaking.

 

The metal collar that mounts to the pedal box may have failed?

 

You should be doing the install in less than 10 minutes!

There are two cable types, but they are not interchangable. Have a look at my write up:

 

http://home.comcast.net/~trilinear/clutch.html

 

GD

Thanks for the help Everyone

 

General disorder, Great link. When I read it, I got sick to my stomach from remembering what a pain cable changes are. Knowing that I did not install the wrong cable makes me feel better. I think when I installed the cable in 98', I did not remove the pedal and just used plyers and screwdrivers to get the cable on and off the pedal. It was hot, it was uncomfortable.

Taking the pedal off is a stroke of genius. I'm sure my improper install made my clutch glitchie.

 

As a update. Today, I checked that the cable was tight to the throwout bearing lever and it was taunt. I was hoping it was loosening on me , but i think it is stretching, or something that is holding it, is bending. I can drive but the clutch grabs with the pedal about 1 inch from the floor. Iy Yi Yi... SC

Sounds like the cable is starting to frey internally - mine on my wagon did that, and I not knowing any better at the time just tightened it and drove on. About a week later it snapped on an on-ramp. Didn't know how to drive it without the clutch at the time so had to tow it. If it breaks just start the engine in first gear and RPM match your shifts. It can work to get the car home at least...

 

GD

i have to replace my clutch cable about once a year on my 84 gl wagon

i have to replace my clutch cable about once a year on my 84 gl wagon

 

You probably need a new pressure plate.

 

GD

Well its done. I got a cable off the net for 25 bucks, took a half day and 2.5 hours later. Tadaa. Installed. I had the cable ordered last week and kept on driving the GL. On Monday I was about a mile from home in second gear and POP, no more clutch pedal. I had to drive about 3 miles out of my way running stop signs so that I would not have to stop. It was a challenge. Again thanks to everyone, especially Gen Dis.. Great picture show and I did have the old cable kinda threaded wrong. The new cable is smooth a Butter.

Cheers SC