'72 Clutch Pedal Push Rod Broke in half in the threaded portion

[Melissa N.]

1. '72 Clutch Pedal Push Rod broke in half in the threaded portion.

Why did it happen? Just metal fatigue and age?

Should it just be replaced with a new one or should any changes be made?

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 Clutch Pedal Push Rod Broke in half in the threaded portion

1. '72 Clutch Pedal Push Rod broke in half in the threaded portion.

Why did it happen? Just metal fatigue and age?

Should it just be replaced with a new one or should any changes be made?

Thanks.

Melissa------


Does the car have a stock-type clutch or has it been replaced with one that results in considerably more pedal effort? Also, were both of the nuts on the pushrod tight? Either of these can cause extra "strain" on the pedal push rod. If neither of these situations is applicable, it's probably just a case of the pushrod being old and fatigued. Replace it and you'll probably get at least another 40 years out of the new one.

Another factor here is that the threads on the push rod are only 3/8-16. That's really pretty small considering the stress placed on this part. Notice that the rest of the push rod is considerably stouter.