Clutch Cable Woes

[DMECMAnderson]

I seem to be replacing my clutch cable way too often. Each time it breaks at nearly the same location right that the "T" where the cable engages with the pedal. The break is never in the cable, always in the part that's crimped on to the end of the cable. After reading various guides, I double checked my ground cable between the car and the bell housing. All looks solid. At one point, I disconnected and cleaned the connection point to make sure I had good contact.

Any ideas? Why I would have put 4 clutch cables in the car in 1 year?

[mdrburchette]

Are the tongs on the pedal bent? You may need to pull the pedal assembly out of the car and check to make sure the metal is not fatigued.

[SLOSpider]

My bet is the pedal tangs have worn a grove in place putting extra stress on the cable. In short install a new pedal and cable.

[So Cal Mark]

if the pedal forks are bent, the cable is pulled at an angle and will break frequently. As also mentioned, if the forks have worn spots the cable won't pivot when the pedal is depressed. More than likely you need some pedal repair or a replacement

[DMECMAnderson]

Thanks. I've got the IAP manual + another. I don't think either have a good view of the clutch pedal and the cable interface. Is it obvious if it's bent and needs replacement?

[mdrburchette]

it's hard as heck to see up in there. It's a pain to remove the pedal box, but it might be something you should consider to make sure the prongs aren't bent. Even if they're not bent, reinforcing them is a good idea so you don't run into a problem later and you'll probably find out why you're breaking clutch cables. I haven't heard of a run of weak cables and I'm running a replacement from one of our popular vendors with no issues. I'm running a racing clutch that puts a lot more stress on the cable too.

[manoa matt]

You can pull the pedal out without taking out the whole pedal box, simply remove the pivot bolt.