hey all, i recently installed a clutch kit in my 2WD '86 gl wagon (after having to replace the transmission case because the throwout bearing sleave had sheered off, but that's another story), and now that it's back together, i noticed that with the clutch pedal depressed, it's almost like there's a brake on the engine.

 

EXAMPLE: i have the car facing uphill, with the clutch pedal depressed and the engine running. the car won't roll backwards unless i release the clutch pedal. having the transmission in gear doesn't make a difference. acceleration from takeoff requires a little more throttle than normal, as i have to "break it loose."

 

what on earth can this be?? is it possible that there's too much oil in the gearbox? i put in a new pilot bearing, torqued the flywheel to spec, and replaced all of the clutch parts and associated hardware. to reiterate: with the clutch open (pedal fully depressed) it's as if the parking brake is lightly depressed. With it closed, it'll roll ok. and by the way, what's that little cable attached to the brake reservoir that is also attached to the clutch cable? (did i answer my own question here?)

You just discovered the hill holder And your hill holder is not adjusted properly. There's lots of threads here about adjusting it -- basically you need to adjust it so it releases the brakes just before the clutch starts engaging, rather than just after like it sounds like it's doing....

never mind. i removed the hill holder cable. problem solved. those things are stupid!

Stupid they may be at times... but number of brand new cars are touting something every 25 year old subaru had as a great new selling feature

They are totally stupid and dangerous off-road. Great if you are a 16 year-old girl learing to drive a clutch.....

 

But for the rest of us - lame.

 

GD

i concur.

Yeah, I know not rolling into the person who decided to stop 6" off your back bumper or avoiding squawking a tire in front of a bored cop isn't cool.

I would love to have a hill holder in my truck for off road. Ever get in a situation where you basically had to make two or three hitches on the edge of a steep bank trying to get an angle to get over a ledge? It really sucks when you roll back a little and start to go over, or spin and your locker catches, launching you forward instead of turning like you wanted.

It is VERY dangerous if you NEED to roll backward suddenly - I have been in situations where had I not rolled backward I would have tipped on my side or worse.

 

If you need to hold yourself on an incline - that's what the e-brake is for. EA Subaru's are setup perfect because they have a front e-brake. You can then use Nissan 200SX rear calipers and get a rear e-brake as well. Twin stick e-brake FTW.

 

GD

I guess driving trucks got me over the knee-jerk reaction to slam the clutch to the floor.