Harsh Clutch engagement

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tommu
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Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by tommu » Tue Apr 09, 2019 11:31 am

I have an annoying clutch engage / disengage issue that prevents a smooth shift into (mostly) second gear - a lot of the time. Instead of a pedal down, select gear, pedal up smooth clutch engagement- I get pedal down, select gear, pedal up and slammed engagement. As if I just dump the clutch - which I sincerely do not!

This is not totally consistent but clutch action is not nearly as smooth as I would like.

I have a newer Czech Sachs kit installed with only a couple of thousands of miles. I have no clutch slip or judder.

Robbie mentioned something about different clutch plates helping. Should I source a new clutch plate or is there something I should check first?

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asiab3
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by asiab3 » Tue Apr 09, 2019 1:59 pm

It felt to me like your clutch disc was one of these:

Image
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/clutch ... gid-style/

When you want the feel of one of these:

Image
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/clutch ... ing-style/

Do you or Colin have pictures from engine install day a few years ago that might clue us in as to what's under your pressure plate?

It's true your left foot technique is not the problem, I promise. :)
Robbie
1969 bus, "Buddy."
145k miles with me.
322k miles on Earth.

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tommu
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by tommu » Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:11 am

I don't have documentary evidence to support the claim - but I am sure my disk is sprung. If it is then could the pressure plate itself be at fault here?

bus71
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by bus71 » Wed Apr 10, 2019 3:52 pm

Have you checked Bowden tube? It should have about 2" or so sag between body and trans. (See Bentley) Good luck!

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tommu
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by tommu » Fri Apr 19, 2019 10:02 pm

bus71 wrote:
Wed Apr 10, 2019 3:52 pm
Have you checked Bowden tube? It should have about 2" or so sag between body and trans. (See Bentley) Good luck!
Good call! I had way too much sag. Pulled the Bowden tube off and the clutch cable was frayed almost to the point of snapping. I bought a new one which is shorter and has less sag. Clutch is now lighter and much smoother. No more juddering or shoving clutch engagement.

Image

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skip
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by skip » Tue Jan 03, 2023 11:36 am

OK...the first post of 2023. Has anyone ever had to cut a clutch cable to remove it?
I've sprayed with PB Blaster, used vice grips to hold t cable and used the tool for better grip on the wing nut.
It's all frozen/corroded. I want to rebuild my pedal cluster with BigBoy clutch shaft and a new brake return spring.
I have a new cable and wing nut.
Any advice appreciated.

Happy New year!
Complexity is the enemy of reliability.

76 Westfalia
74 Type 181

RinTinTin in Waldorf Astoria 1956

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Amskeptic
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Re: Harsh Clutch engagement

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:03 pm

Happy New Year! Cut the cable! Save the wingnut.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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