Clutch Spring Removal to Aid in Linear Pressure

[BmacIL]

After owning my GT PP for 9 months, accumulating nearly 5,800 miles on the odometer, and still struggling with rough 1-2 and (especially) 2-3 shifts on regular occasion, I finally pulled the spring assembly. It took less than a minute with long nose vise grips. I basically clamped the vise grips on the center two coils of the spring, depressed the clutch pedal with my right hand, and used my left hand to slightly push down on the plastic piece at the top of the assembly. The entire assembly basically fell out in my hand.

To me, the clutch "heaviness" has increased probably by 45%; however, it now feels MUCH more connected. I immediately took it for a 5 mile drive and only wish I would have done this so much sooner. The engagement point is obvious and even slipping the clutch to back (uphill) out of the driveway was easier.

My previous stick shift experience: 11 years in a 5-speed V8 Dodge Dakota & 3 years in a 6-speed Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Don't worry, you'll get used to the increased pedal effort in about 2 days and will forget what it used to feel like.

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[Need 4 Steed]

Yup. Honestly, I forgot how the assist felt after half a day. Only thing I may do is put in a lower weight spring just to get the clutch pedal to return the last 1/8th inch or so as mine has a tad bit of play in it.

And for the record this is my first manual vehicle ever. Went to to dealership and no hesitations... manual.

Took it to the Home Depot parking lot across the street and got a feel for the clutch.

Then drove it about 30 miles home. And it's been great since then.


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[Anthony 05 GT]

I took my spring out a couple of weeks after buying the car. I think the stock feel is way too light and without the spring it's still very light, but much, much better overall feel. I'm 49 and have about 1.75 million miles standard shift experience. Anyone that thinks the pedal is heavy with or without the spring hasn't experienced what a real mechanical old school clutch feels like. Maybe a Honda or 2 too many in the past? Back in the day a good quality, high performance mechanical clutch had some real weight behind it. My 125 lb wife who really can't drive a stick that well thinks it's light and easy without the spring. 435 hp with a clutch pedal this light is as easy as walking to the restroom.

 

[StangIt #1]

Only thing I may do is put in a lower weight spring just to get the clutch pedal to return the last 1/8th inch or so as mine has a tad bit of play in it.

Mine also has the play. Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned modifying an old valve spring to use as a lower weight replacement, but has anyone been able to reliably source a new spring that would do the job? If so, where and how much?

 

[pinero61]

Did you do both at the same time or is this your impressions from just the line? Thanks

Both at the same time

 

[SLA]

When you guys say you have an 1/8th of play are you talking about being able to lift the pedal up a little? Every manual transmission car I've owned has done this, none of which had a assist spring. All the worries about the weight of the pedal causing premature wear seem to be unwarranted.

 

[Zemedici]

When you guys say you have an 1/8th of play are you talking about being able to lift the pedal up a little? Every manual transmission car I've owned has done this, none of which had a assist spring. All the worries about the weight of the pedal causing premature wear seem to be unwarranted.

I believe they're referring to 1/8 inch of 'dead space' at the top of the pedal.

 

[Evil Minion]

...All the worries about the weight of the pedal causing premature wear seem to be unwarranted.

They are, entirely. No need to worry about yanking that sucker out

 

[jkstang78]

Took my spring out today. Makes a world of difference and feels much better.

 

[Branman]

I actually put my spring back in and kinda like it. I removed the day I bought it so I never gave it a chance. I'm comfortable with the the grab point so in a way feels more smooth.

 

[batz1917]

WOW... I just yanked the clutch assist spring.

This is my first manual car. I've owned it for over 6 months with around 6,000 miles.

I truly thought i was bad at driving stick because of 1st and 2nd gear. I went for a ride after taking it out. It's a whole new car for me. No more guessing where the friction point is, no more slipping the clutch in slowly for a smooth ride. Without the clutch assist spring, the ride in these cars is so much easier and enjoyable. my first few shifts are now a lot faster and the clutch throw feels shorter to me. It is a little heavier but I got used to it in the first 5 minutes.

I noticed other members saying that they have a little play in the pedal now. At least for me, i am not experiencing this.

Smart move taking it out. I just wish I didn't wait so long.

 

[Moddiction]

Just pulled mine out today. Big difference! You can actually feel the engagement point now! It definitely makes the clutch pedal pressure a lot stiffer though. I don't daily the car or anything so I don't care but some were saying it was only a slight increase. I think it's at least twice or 3 times as stiff.

 

[GT Pony]

Wish one of the aftermarket vendors would offer a much softer clutch pedal spring as a replacement option.

 

[Need 4 Steed]

I'm working on finding a softer spring. But I've got used to no spring


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[x_man586]

Two guys I work with tried my pedal after I removed the spring. They said it is still softer and smoother than theirs. They have an 08 Gt and 04 Mach 1

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