How To: Free Clutch Spring Removal in 15 Minutes - A must do for manual trans!

[eFRS]

With the FRS being my first manual, do you guys recommend me doing this mod?

Thanks!

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by eFRS

With the FRS being my first manual, do you guys recommend me doing this mod?



Thanks!

Yep, it'll keep you from developing bad habits in how you let the clutch out.

[gpvecchi]

As I don't want that free play in clutch pedal, I bought the Mtec spring. Still not fitted, though...

[BOND007_LTK]

So I took a look for the springs and I realize mine doesn't have an e clip. On either sides. I only has a half washer on the right.

On the left nothing.
Did someone mess with my car prior to me buying it?
The pics you guys uploaded is nothing like what I have.

Will upload pics after.

[BOND007_LTK]

Originally Posted by BOND007_LTK

So I took a look for the springs and I realize mine doesn't have an e clip. On either sides. I only has a half washer on the right.

On the left nothing.
Did someone mess with my car prior to me buying it?
The pics you guys uploaded is nothing like what I have.

Will upload pics after.

Nevermind. I took a closer light with light. The E clip looks like half a washer and I had to spin it so that the body is facing downward and the opening upward.

This link @ 1:22 shows how it looks like

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN05uiGV2wE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN05uiGV2wE[/ame]

The E clip is on the right side and it's an E clip because although the clip threads nicely into the pin, there are two dips in between hence the E.

I remember one video suggested to pry it in between the mentioned dips to prevent damage but I just lifted it from the bottom with minimal damage caused, not that I'm suggesting it.

Once clip is off, you can put the rod to the left (driver side) while plier and pushing the clutch in. It just pops off with some force.

Then you force the back part of the clutch upward. I had more luck pushing the right side of that piece as opposed to the left. This takes a fair amount of force while pulling the front clutch part toward you (the back of the car).

Then take spring off.

Reassemble - I put my e clip back on because the rod part was fairly loose.

[LancePower]

^^^

Good video quality in a hard to access area.

[rice_classic]

I just did this a couple days ago and it got me thinking.

At 50k miles my TOB failed and I had to replace it. I noticed the TOB fork does not have a spring return (like a Honda transmission does for example).

I didn't think too much about that until now. I figured the TOB fork probably returned back to it's position naturally once the system pressure was released and it no longer made contact with the PP. But now learning of this Spring which is pretty stout btw, always pushing on the clutch pedal - it seems like it could be replicating a scenario where a driver is lightly resting their foot on the pedal. I'm curious if this spring could be applying enough pressure on the pedal (aka the clutch hydraulic system) to where it keeps the TOB touching/engaged with the PP leading to premature failure of the TOB.

You'll notice after removing the spring that the pedal has a bit of freeplay at the top, about 1-2mm. For those of you who have been around clutches/manual transmissions of both cable and hydro will know that pedal free play is important because it means your TOB isn't touching the PP. I'm not certain removing this spring improves the TOB to PP interface situation but I'm sure that removing it does not worsen it.


edit: This spring removal should have been performed on day 1. The clutch feels similar to how my S2000 felt and that's a very very good thing.

[Bodalenko]

I know this mod apparently gives the pedal more feel but does it in anyway assist with gear changing? I have the MTEC Shift Spring kit and IRP shifter installed and don't really have an issue with the clutch force or pedal feel BUT if its going to improve the shifting experience in total I'll do it. If its just for people who don't work their calf muscles at gym, I'll leave well enough alone. I've reached the stage with my 86 where I only add/remove/change things that are going to improve performance overall..

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Bodalenko

I know this mod apparently gives the pedal more feel but does it in anyway assist with gear changing? I have the MTEC Shift Spring kit and IRP shifter installed and don't really have an issue with the clutch force or pedal feel BUT if its going to improve the shifting experience in total I'll do it. If its just for people who don't work their calf muscles at gym, I'll leave well enough alone. I've reached the stage with my 86 where I only add/remove/change things that are going to improve performance overall..

This is only changing the feel at the pedal. Everything happening after that is the same. No change in shifting.

[Jajanken86]

Just had my TOB replaced today and the clutch feels so much smoother, although also much lighter than it was. With it being significantly lighter compared to when I had the failing TOB, I'm now considering removing the spring without replacing with the MTEC unit.

Now what's the consensus? Is the spring removal good or bad for your TOB?? I've heard both, not sure what to think of it.

Sent from my iDroid

[churchx]

It's "pedal" assist spring. It doesn't change strength with which fork pushes or retracts TOB.

[Jajanken86]

Originally Posted by churchx

It's "pedal" assist spring. It doesn't change strength with which fork pushes or retracts TOB.

I'm sorry, can you elaborate? Without the assist spring, what ensures that the TOB isn't making any slight contact? Is that free play without the spring putting weight as if a foot was slightly depressing the clutch?

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[churchx]

Isn't TOB in contact all the time (just that not pushing against leaf springs, when pedal not pressed)? Many drive without assist spring, thus i don't think you'll run into issues, except pedal may require more force pressing it & it won't have that dead extra travel on top.

[Jajanken86]

I think I'll try it then. I've already adjusted the height to be equal with the brake pedal. After removing the spring, will there be any adjustments to the height I'll need to do again to ensure things are safe?

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