What to do about Clutch Knee

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

OP is an old timer, just so you know.

That shouldn't matter too much. As long as they can strengthen their legs or sit closer.

[Toyarzee]

No way you can walk up a flight of 3 stairs and not be able to depress the clutch with just your big toe while seated backwards. Lightest clutch I've ever driven. Position shouldn't be as big a deal as all that.. as others have mentioned, betting money on aftermarket clutch or related modification

[NyC Zn6]

sounds like you need an upgrade give Skynet a call..on a serious note they should sell knee braces that might help with the compression/decompression of the joint cap if it is that serious.

[campy]

"Stiff" is relative, so I wouldn't think there's anything wrong with the clutch. I have a bad left knee, so my leg also gets sore after high-intensity workouts such as rush hour traffic. You could try experimenting with different seat positions to find which angle gives you the least fatigue. I actually sit pretty close to the steering wheel.

Do you slide your heel when you change gears or do you just keep it dug in the carpet? Pain in the back of the knee sounds like you might be overextending your ankle.

[Ashikabi]

What if you rig up a solenoid or similar electrical device actuated by a button on the shifter? Press button tells the device to press the clutch for 1.5 seconds. Maybe use some kind of cam so you have a gradual pedal release.

Or get an auto
Jk I understand the problem. Other than a different position or avoiding the situation I don't have a fix. I'd definitely look at that mod mentioned earlier though

[MJones_RB]

Pulling out the clutch spring makes it REAL light, but that's not really your problem. Pushing your seat way back helps keep your knee out of it's "prone" position. Sadly, high traffic areas are better dealt with using automatic transmissions.

[mav1178]

Poor technique is making you have discomfort. That's all there is to it.

If you think this is stiff, wait till you try out an aftermarket performance pressure plate.

-alex

[Nickosport]

Originally Posted by MJones_RB

Pulling out the clutch spring makes it REAL light, but that's not really your problem. Pushing your seat way back helps keep your knee out of it's "prone" position. Sadly, high traffic areas are better dealt with using automatic transmissions.

The clutch spring is actually an assist spring in these cars, not a return spring. By removing it the pedal actually gets stiffer.

[RichardsFRS]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

OP is an old timer, just so you know.

This old timer you call him spends 3 4 days in a gym covering the gamet. Been working out for years and years and running which may be my problem.

[Ashikabi]

Originally Posted by RichardsFRS

This old timer you call him spends 3 4 days in a gym covering the gamet. Been working out for years and years and running which may be my problem.

Maybe stretch your hamstrings more?

[stugray]

I sold my last MT supra and bought a 99 Solara AT for exactly that reason.

I used to spend >2 hours a day with half of that in stop and go traffic and my knee was killing me.
That and the FWD Solara with traction control could literally drive circles around the Supra in the snow.

[AKBrrrrrrrrZ]

If you check out the clutch and it is all OEM I would recommend seeing a Physical Therapist. They can determine if it is a musculoskeletal issue or a positional problem that is affecting the dynamics of the knee and giving you pain. Both of these issues are easily correctable and within their skill set to treat and resolve! You should just be able to walk in/schedule an appt. without a referral from your primary care physician. Don't let old age keep you from driving a stick!

[KR-S]

Originally Posted by RichardsFRS

This old timer you call him spends 3 4 days in a gym covering the gamet. Been working out for years and years and running which may be my problem.

Apologies for the assumptions then!

I would still suggest to check if your clutch pedal is missing the spring or take it to a dealer or local mechanic to determine if there is an aftermarket clutch installed on the car.

[MJones_RB]

Originally Posted by Nickosport

The clutch spring is actually an assist spring in these cars, not a return spring. By removing it the pedal actually gets stiffer.

That makes sense. When I was installing my MTEC springs, people were pulling out their springs to give it more "feel." Thanks for clearing that up.