Hello,

My Sub's clutch pedal is extremely difficult to push down. So much so, that my left leg is getting a workout every time I drive!

 

This car has 150k on it and I don't think the clutch has ever been replaced.

 

Is this the most likely problem or is it probably just the clutch cable that is sticky?

 

thanks.

Clutch cable is going. Dont worry it will get really easy to press soon. Of course it will only go down at that point.

 

 

nipper

gotcha. thanks.

yup its the cable. and super easy to fix, compared to clutch job

that was my next question! Roughly how long might it take to change it?

an hour at most. i have brats and i know i had to remove pedal for access to pivot pin. just remember the buhings, clips and routing. compare new cable first to make sure ends are right. i had wrong one and luckily had other vehicle to drive.

Does it make any noise to accompany the extra effort? If so, it could be the fork pivot is dried out and has split and is gouging the pivot ball. Replace the cable first, but if it's still tough that may be why.

 

Good luck!

 

Will-

an hour at most. i have brats and i know i had to remove pedal for access to pivot pin. just remember the buhings, clips and routing. compare new cable first to make sure ends are right. i had wrong one and luckily had other vehicle to drive.

 

what should i remember about the bushings, clips and routing? (sorry, i'm new at working on cars)

I think he just meant where they all go and the order they are in. Take your time and lay things out as you remove them, build a little 'model' of stuff as you go so that you can keep it all straight. That'll help you to go backwards and rebuild it all too. I've even drawn little pics with a sharpie on cardboard and put bolts through the cardboard to keep complicated stuff sorted out.

Pulling the drivers seat makes working under the dash so much easier......

 

 

Proper routing of the cable on the engine side of the firewall is critical. Take pics, jot down notes, what have you, to insure that you get it routed right.

disconnect the clutch cable, it will push real easy, and will not return to position. jk

good luck tho

Thanks, all.

 

I've been shopping for a new clutch cable, and I keep getting asked if I have the 1.6 liter or the 1.8. Is there any way to tell by looking at the car? The engine is an EA82.

EA82's are 1.8l

In the engine bay, first try pulling the dust boot away from the cable sheeth and use a few drops of light machine oil on the cable. Then use some compressed air to force the oil down inside the cable sheeth. Having someone else in between air blasts slowly work the clutch at the same time also helps. Keep the new cable for a spare.

Your clutch cable probably has some good life left in it, but might have got a bit of grit inside.

Or since the old cable is, well old, replace with new and oil the old once uninstalled and keep that as a spare.

I'm glad all this was written down and posted. I have two used cables and will see if I can oil them up and choose the best one for re-use.