Clutch Cable
Clutch Cable Guides
How to Choose the Right Clutch Cable
Do you know why the clutch is able to disengage the engine without turning it off? It’s because of a part called the clutch cable. It disengages the plates when you step on the clutch pedal, letting you shift gears without turning off the engine.
Which clutch cable should be used?
Replace a damaged clutch cable, unless you’re okay with a transmission system that doesn’t perform at 100 percent. If you’re looking for a replacement, it’s still safe to get OEM clutch cables because they’re the toughest and most reliable.
OEM clutch cables can fit a variety of makes and models, which means installing them shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Replacement clutch cables are relatively cheap. In fact, their price ranges from 30 to 50 USD.
We recommend clutch cables that are sold in kits (complete with quadrant, adjustable nut, and clutch fork) because they’re easier to install. So you won’t have to deal with premature wear and corrosion, use clutch cables that are made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum.
What to look for in a clutch cable?
When looking for a replacement clutch cable, you have to make sure that it comes with a complete set of installation instructions. By installing your brand-new clutch cable on your own, you’ll be able to save money and learn the basics of clutch repair as well.
Choose only trusted names in the industry, so you don’t end up regretting the purchase that you’ve made. Though clutch cables are relatively cheap, it’s still important to find the right replacement for your vehicle.
How to Install a Clutch Cable
When the clutch cable is already damaged, you need to replace it as quickly as possible. The major symptom of a bad clutch cable is when the clutch has already become stiff. A stiff clutch is hard to depress, making it difficult for you to shift gears when you want to. A clutch cable that doesn’t respond very well can actually snap, and when that happens, the clutch pedal won’t lift back up when you depress it. Here are the tools that you need and the steps when removing and replacing a damaged clutch cable.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Tools that you’ll need:
- Pliers
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver set
Step 1: Before working on your clutch cable, we highly recommend disconnecting your battery first. That way, you won’t have any problem if the cable accidentally touches terminals as you’re pulling it out.
Step 2: Locate where the cable connects to your clutch pedal and clutch release mechanism. In most cases, you’ll need to crawl under the vehicle to locate the cable’s connection to the release mechanism. If this is the case, be sure your ride is properly elevated and supported by stable jack stands.
Step 3: Once you’ve found the clutch cable, remove it from the clutch pedal and detach it from the release mechanism. You can now throw away the damaged clutch cable because you won’t need it anyway.
Step 4: Using the right equipment and tools, connect your brand-new clutch cable to the release mechanism of the transmission system and the pedal end. Once you have done that, step on the clutch pedal a few times to feel its resistance.
Step 5: When the clutch cable has been successfully installed, you need to make a few adjustments to its resistance and free play. To do that, find a barrel or nut adjuster and make the necessary changes that would fit your preferred settings.
Clutch cable installation will take about 30 minutes for an expert DIYer and around two hours for a beginner.
