Is it possible to remove the clutch free play?

[evilnickwong]

My clutch pedal has about 1+ inches of free play. By free play, I don't mean the range of movement before the clutch disengagement point, but rather a range of movement where there is absolutely zero resistance from the pedal. I can literally press it down with my little finger without tensing it.

This is annoying as it results in my clutch pedal sitting higher than my brake pedal by about an inch and also doesn't feel very nice. Is there a way to fix this? I heard that there is a tension spring or something that controls how much forces pushes the pedal back up to the "at-rest" position?

[Liam]

Worn out pedal, or master rod bushings.

Or it's possible overcenter spring blew up or is installed wrong.

[evilnickwong]

Thanks for the input will try to check those.
In this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...42&hg=35&fg=05

Master rod bushings = #8
Overcenter spring = #10

Is that correct?
You mentioned the pedal could be worn also, do you mean the entire pedal? And if that is the case, I would have to replace the entire pedal (#7)?

[Liam]

Thanks for the input will try to check those.
In this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...42&hg=35&fg=05

Master rod bushings = #8
Overcenter spring = #10

Is that correct?
You mentioned the pedal could be worn also, do you mean the entire pedal? And if that is the case, I would have to replace the entire pedal (#7)?

What year is your car? You may not have an overcenter. If the pedal is steel just do the bushings (late e30s have plastic pedals).

[evilnickwong]

Ah I forgot to mention that. My car is a 1991 sedan 318i.

However, if I remember correctly, my brake and clutch are both steel, not plastic.

I read there is an eccentric bolt that can be positioned in one of 2 positions, is that a possible way to adjust this as well?

[Liam]

Ah I forgot to mention that. My car is a 1991 sedan 318i.

However, if I remember correctly, my brake and clutch are both steel, not plastic.

I read there is an eccentric bolt that can be positioned in one of 2 positions, is that a possible way to adjust this as well?

Hmmm, possible that the non US ones are different as well.

Yes the old ones had an eccentric to adjust the pedal height 13mm nut on one side 17mm head on the adjuster.

(possible I'm just braindead too... Long day at work)

[Schniddy]

Same issue over here. I just wasn't sure if it was normal or not.
good info.

thanks

[evilnickwong]

Thanks for the info, I'll take a look at it later after work. Will update if I manage to find anything. These sorta guides really need pictures.

[evilnickwong]

Sorry for the lack of updates, was busy with work, finally got round to poking about earlier today. Here is a picture of my pedals since I still couldn't figure it out.



I've illustrated the crappy difference in height between my clutch and brake that I want to get rid of. And I've circled what I "think" is the eccentric bolt. Is that the one to adjust? And is that the only thing possible to tweak with?

[DmcL]

u could try adjusting the eccentric bolt but i doubt it would do much. i recently swapped over to manual and my clutch pedal sits below the brake pedal. im guessing thats how it should be because theres all new master and slave along with all lines and hoses. dunno why yours sits so high?

[evilnickwong]

I did the swap a year and a half ago and had mostly new parts in as well. I'm pretty sure it included the master and slave pumps (it was listed as clutch input and output pumps on the bill).

It's been like that ever since, no problems shifting or anything, but on some days (hot ones), I do notice the engagement point might move slightly lower towards the floor. Not sure if that's a symptom of something.

[DmcL]

hot day, maybe the rubber hose to the slave stretching that little bit more with the extra heat? if its all new cylinders and hose i wouldnt worry too much.

[evilnickwong]

Well, I'm not worried about the clutch function, I'm just annoyed as hell by the height and free play. It makes it very tiring moving from the footrest to the clutch because you have to pivot your ankle/foot much higher up to get over the pedal.

[evilnickwong]

Anyone know how should I adjust that eccentric bolt? Do I tighten or untighten it, and I read it only goes in 2 spots, 180degrees from each other or something.

Was hoping for more input after providing a nice photo showing my problem. :D