Car clutch cable

Clutch cable connects the clutch pedal with the clutch. The clutch must be actuated during each switching and start-up operations. Because of constant load clutch cable must be stable and durable. It is made of metal to serve the whole operation life. Still, it can fail because of material defect or wear. However, it is not a reason to panic, as the vehicle can temporally operate without the clutch cable.

You can drive home or to the repair shop without the clutch cable. It is easy to start with the second gear. Set the second gear and start the engine. Since the car immediately thrusts, enough space is required. If there is another car in front of yours, it can be dangerous to start. If you have doubts, push the car to other place. The driving without clutch cable is a little rough. In any case, in order not to damage the clutch, it is necessary to repair the clutch cable.

Clutch cable replacement is simple. Still, it is necessary exactly to know how the clutch cable is tightened. For this purpose usually the data of the car manufacturer is required. If no, you will need time to find the right position by trail-and-error method. Therefore, it is better to turn to a repair shop. In our online shop you can find taillights, oil pump, oil temperature sensor, side doors, fog lights, slave cylinder and many other car parts. It is easy and safe to order in the Internet. We offer you good quality at low prices.

How to detect a faulty clutch cable

Clutch cable diagnostics involves its inspection. Loss of integrity of the plastic sheath, partial or complete breakage of the steel wires of the cable, their stretching and corrosion, as well as damaged fasteners indicate the need to replace the component.

You may notice that the clutch cable may need diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• shifting gears is accompanied by extraneous sounds;
• clutch pedal shows no resistance when pressed, or moves with jerks;
• the vehicle accelerates too slowly;
• fuel consumption increased;
• smell of burning is felt in the passenger compartment;
• it is impossible to shift gears.

The reasons of clutch cable malfunction

Because of its location, the clutch cable is constantly exposed to the aggressive influence of thawing chemicals, moisture and dirt. Besides, it works in the conditions of frequent temperature changes. All this eventually results in the destruction of the dust boot and cracking of the plastic sheath. Accumulation of dirt inside these elements is fraught with cable jamming, and penetration of moisture may lead to corrosion.

Due to the lack of lubricant, the component may wear out, therefore it should be lubricated from time to time. The lubricant should be chosen in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Using wrong grease may damage plastic and rubber elements. Correct installation of the component is also important. In particular, avoid distortion of the cable during installation; otherwise, the risk of breakage is greatly increased.

Often, clutch cable failures are due to poor quality of its manufacturing. The plastic sheath of such components cannot withstand high temperatures, and can melt. Besides, it is unable to prevent ingress of moisture and dirt inside a component.

Replacing the clutch cable

The clutch cable is not repairable. In case of a failure, it is to be replaced. Installation of a new component is easy to be done by yourself. To do that, you will have to:

1. Open the hood and secure it in the open position. On some vehicles, for greater convenience of repair, it is necessary to dismantle the windshield wiper and the plastic cover installed between the windscreen and the bonnet.
2. Loosen the clutch cable adjustment nuts, and carefully remove it from the bracket.
3. Extract the end of the cable from the clutch release fork located on the gearbox.
4. Remove the protective cover from the clutch pedal.
5. Dismantle the retainer clip from the clutch pedal, and pull out the second end of the cable.
6. From the side of the passenger compartment, remove the clutch cable support plate, and remove the cable.
7. Install a new cable by doing the above steps in the reverse order.
8. After installing a new cable, its adjustment is required.