Hydraulic Clutch - Loose the Cable!

lnfletcher · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 08:03 AM

I know this has been discussed but I had to share the mod I completed this weekend. Because it was too cold outside to do much else, I decided to install the parts that I had ordered from Summit. I converted my cable clutch to hydraulic and it works great. Gives me peace of mind that my cable won't break in some remote area and leave me stranded. And it only cost approx. $160 and much easier (my opinion) than installing a Quadrant.
http://lnfletcher.homeip.net/66Cobra/hydroclutch.html

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 08:19 AM

As long as a hydraulic bearing is not used, I'm all for hydraulic clutches and prefer them over other methods.

Jim Werth · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 10:18 AM

I've got 9 years on my clutch cable in my B+B. Should I worry that mine will break? Jim

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 10:20 AM

No. Clutch cables were used on many factory cars, especially Fox/SN95 Mustangs for thousands and thousands and thousands of miles.

The thing that keeps them alive is the use of lower clamping force pressure plates, like the stock 10.5" diaphragm plates.

I would think that the use of stiffer pressure plates, like the Long and Borg & Beck, with higher clamping forces would cause stretch and premature wear/failure.

lnfletcher · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie76

I've now replaced mine twice in 5000 miles. They have both broken at the 3/4 inch dia pulley on the top of the pedal assy.

Regards, Alan

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggie76

Hi Rob, I adapted an Aluminum Mustang quadrant to the top of my pedal assy after my 3rd cable break in 10000 miles. So far, so good at 11,800, but I won't know if I've actually improved things until I get past 12,500 miles (avg cable life before the modification was 2500 miles).

Regards, Alan

This is just some of the comments over time regarding the problems with cables that I was talking about. Like I said, I had not had any problems with mine but it would be a downer to get stranded because of it!

rcobrakit67 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009, 12:54 PM

Great write-up! Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go hyd. I do now. Thanks

Voltaire · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 07:44 AM

I order the parts you suggested from summit and have installed them in my car. I am having a little trouble getting the clutch completely disengaged. It appears the length of travel isn't long enough, do you have any suggestings.

CobraEd · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voltaire

I order the parts you suggested from summit and have installed them in my car. I am having a little trouble getting the clutch completely disengaged. It appears the length of travel isn't long enough, do you have any suggestings.

Shoulda stuck with that cable !!!

.

PANAVIA · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 08:56 AM

This is similar to the setup we use everyday, -- I will make up an article on this.

V-- you may have to play with geometry a bit. -- if you move the rod from the slave cylinder -closer to the trans you improve geometry.

it will pull a further distance in the clutch, for the same amount of travel on the cylinder. --

Steve

lnfletcher · #10 (**permalink**) 01-11-2010, 05:42 AM

First thing to check is that all of the air is bled out of the line. Second is that the slave cylinder has no slack in regards to the clutch arm. Also make shure that the master is getting full travel. If all of these are correct, it should give you plenty of travel to disengage the clutch.
By the way, on mine, I exchanged the placement of the bleed valve and the input on the slave so that the bleed would be on top and allow me to get all of the air out.
If you will measure the travel of your slave, I will compare with mine and make sure that it is not a difference in the clutch arm or clutch workings.
In the mean time I will attempt to measure mine and send it to you. If my memory is correct, it is 1 1/2 inches total.

lnfletcher · #11 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 01:53 PM

[QUOTE = Voltaire]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Voltaire
I order the parts you suggested from summit and have installed them in my car. I am having a little trouble getting the clutch completely disengaged. It appears the length of travel isn't long enough, do you have any suggestings.
[/quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraEd

Shoulda stuck with that cable !!!

.

By the way, Voltaire PM me and told me he had it worked out with a little adjustment.