Clutch Pedal Won't Return

[tbrown5499]

Good evening,

I'm new to the forum as well as wrenching on a Model A. The vehicle in question is a 1929 Model A truck that belonged to my father and now belongs to my sister and brother in law. A while back I was told that the clutch pedal over time got to where it would not fully return. I looked at it last weekend, and not only will the pedal not fully return, but pulling the clutch pedal back into the full "returned" position requires some effort. Not being Model A savvy, I found a few videos and saw where the there is a zerk fitting on the throwout bearing. Turns out, no one can tell me when it was last greased. My guess is that it's been years since it was greased. I greased the bearing and still did not see much difference. I then took the clutch pedal loose from the linkage to eliminate the pedal pivot point as being an issue and the pedal itself moves freely.

I also noticed that there is a return spring at the top of the bearing and its secured and appears to be in good condition.

Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doug Linden]

Sounds like the clutch shaft going thru the Bell Housing is the problem. Might try some penetrating oil to free it up.

 

[midgetracer]

If the Clutch bearing is not against the clutch fingers and the fork is moving free, you may have to adjust the free play on the pedal. If the fork or the bearing holder does not slide back free, it may need some penetrating oil to free it up as Doug said.

 

[1955cj5]

You can add one of these:

https://modelastore.com/collections.../aa-7523-aa-4-speed-trans-clutch-pedal-spring​

I used one for a while when I had a 4 speed in the '29 ccpu.




But if yours was a developing problem over time it's likely something else....it isn't a 4-speed is it?

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, another thing to check is the arm on the clutch shaft were adjustment is made , ,these have been knows to crack,hard to see some time have some one push down the clutch while looking at tha arm under neath the car

 

[Will N]

The throwout bearing hub slides on a bearing retainer sleeve at the front of the transmission. The old grease in the hub could have solidified and gummed up the free movement of the hub. I might try removing the grease fitting and digging out the grease with a thin pick, then filling the hole with penetrant and let it soak to loosen the old grease. I might operate the clutch pedal a few time to spread the penetrant within the hub and sleeve, refilling the hole with more juice as needed. If it works, it should run out around the hub into the bell housing. Then, regrease the hub with fresh grease. I don't think the penetrant will get all over your clutch disk if you don't run the engine while its soaking.

 

[tbrown5499]

Thanks very much for all the advice. I'm heading that way in the morning and I'll start with some PB Blaster and then dig out the old grease if needed.

You can add one of these:

https://modelastore.com/collections.../aa-7523-aa-4-speed-trans-clutch-pedal-spring​

I used one for a while when I had a 4 speed in the '29 ccpu.


View attachment 616153

But if yours was a developing problem over time it's likely something else....it isn't a 4-speed is it?

I might have to give that spring or something like that a try. BTW...Confirmed today that it is a 3 speed.

 

[tbrown5499]

Sounds like the clutch shaft going thru the Bell Housing is the problem. Might try some penetrating oil to free it up.

That'll be my first thing to try in the morning. Thanks very much

 

[tbrown5499]

The throwout bearing hub slides on a bearing retainer sleeve at the front of the transmission. The old grease in the hub could have solidified and gummed up the free movement of the hub. I might try removing the grease fitting and digging out the grease with a thin pick, then filling the hole with penetrant and let it soak to loosen the old grease. I might operate the clutch pedal a few time to spread the penetrant within the hub and sleeve, refilling the hole with more juice as needed. If it works, it should run out around the hub into the bell housing. Then, regrease the hub with fresh grease. I don't think the penetrant will get all over your clutch disk if you don't run the engine while its soaking.

Thanks very much. If the PB Blaster does not help, I'll give this a shot.

 

[tbrown5499]

Hello, another thing to check is the arm on the clutch shaft were adjustment is made , ,these have been knows to crack,hard to see some time have some one push down the clutch while looking at tha arm under neath the car

I'll check it tomorrow for sure. Thanks for the response.