C1 '58 clutch adjustment

[Susan G.]

Just installed a new clutch assembly (3 finger) and even though adjusting the fine threaded rod, we can't seem to adjust the clutch linkage so the gears with shift without the noise happening, which we think is caused by the clutch fingers touching the clutch plate, when the pedal is fully depressed. Almost impossible to shift at a standstill, but a bit easier when moving. Has anyone experience similar issue and solved, or is there a specific way to adjust the linkage. Thanks Susan.

[Dan H.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Susan, had a similar problem years ago on my 58. Somehow I put a 'short' style throwout bearing in it but it required a 'long' style bearing to fully disengage the clutch pressure plate. Might be your problem?
Dan

[Susan G.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Thanks Dan, we went through the same discovery and installed the thicker bearing, however still having the problem. Hopefully there are also other out there who have some additional experience to share. Susan

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Just installed a new clutch assembly (3 finger) sounds like it has a weak spring or using wrong TO bearing. and even though adjusting the fine threaded rod, we can't seem to adjust the clutch linkage so the gears with shift without the noise happening, which we think is caused by the clutch fingers touching the clutch plate, if so your over center when you push the clutch in.when the pedal is fully depressed. Almost impossible to shift at a standstill, but a bit easier when moving. Has anyone experience similar issue and solved, or is there a specific way to adjust the linkage. Thanks Susan.

It could be??

[Susan G.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Dan, thanks for the quick reply. Have installed brand new spring, new TO bearing (the thicker "passenger car" bearing) The thinner bearing would not allow us to shift at all.

Have to go easy on me,,, not a mechanic, so not understanding what you mean by "over center" ... Very frustrated "clutched out" owner.

Thanks Susan

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Dan, thanks for the quick reply. Have installed brand new spring, new TO bearing (the thicker "passenger car" bearing) The thinner bearing would not allow us to shift at all.

Have to go easy on me,,, not a mechanic, so not understanding what you mean by "over center" ... Very frustrated "clutched out" owner.

Thanks Susan

.
It means as you push the clutch in the travel is to fare causing the clutch to grab. Check and see if the TO touches the three clutch fingers at the same time , if one is not that's your problem.

[Susan G.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Roy, thanks,,, so if the issue is one of the 3 fingers in not touching the TO bearing at the same time as the others, how do you fix this? Thanks..Susan

[John H.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Roy, thanks,,, so if the issue is one of the 3 fingers in not touching the TO bearing at the same time as the others, how do you fix this? Thanks..Susan

If all three fingers don't touch the face of the throwout bearing simultaneously, the clutch is defective. You'll be a LOT happier if you replace the 3-finger clutch with a modern bent-finger diaphragm clutch (which takes the "short" 1-1/4" throwout bearing); GM gave up on the old-tech 3-finger coil-spring clutch in 1963. It will also have significantly lower pedal pressure. The LuK "RepSet" clutches are excellent - Paragon has them, or go to www.dialaclutch.com.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 '58 clutch adjustment

Roy, thanks,,, so if the issue is one of the 3 fingers in not touching the TO bearing at the same time as the others, how do you fix this? Thanks..Susan

You dont the springs are no good weather it's new or not, that's why the clutch hangs up between the plate and flywheel and it's hard to get in gear.Can you check it out to see if the TO is hitting the three fingers at the same time??