Clutch release: excessive force

[Charlie Sachs]

Groupers: I have a '98 Legacy wagon with 125K. 60K are on the second
clutch which shows no signs of being worn out. I replaced the clutch cable
in hopes that the excessive pedal force necessary to operate the release
mechanism would go away. But it didn't. I am guessing that whatever
mechanical linkage between the cable operated lever and the throwout bearing
fork are binding up somehow. Is this common?

Is there a way to correct this easily or does the tranny have to come out?
I have found a good Subaru mechanic but he is far away and it is helpful if
I have the parts already in hand and know what is involved with the repair.
Thanks for any advice.

Charlie Sachs. Pittsburgh

 

[Charlie Sachs]

Groupers: I have a '98 Legacy wagon with 125K. 60K are on the second
clutch which shows no signs of being worn out. I replaced the clutch
cable in hopes that the excessive pedal force necessary to operate the
release mechanism would go away. But it didn't. I am guessing that
whatever mechanical linkage between the cable operated lever and the
throwout bearing fork are binding up somehow. Is this common?

Is there a way to correct this easily or does the tranny have to come out?
I have found a good Subaru mechanic but he is far away and it is helpful
if I have the parts already in hand and know what is involved with the
repair. Thanks for any advice.

Checked my Haynes manual :
Looks like the only thing that can bind is the release fork on the ballstud
pivot or the throwout bearing can't travel freely on the shaft. If one of
the ears attached to the throwout bearing became dissengaged wouldn't it be
crocked? However, when I tryed to twist the clutch release lever it didn't
move, but it did sway from side to side a 1/4" when pushed and pulled from
the side of the vehcle as if it was rocking on the ballstud.

Charlie Sachs. Pittsburgh

 

[Charlie Sachs]

Does anyone know what causes a working clutch to need a lot of pedal force
to release, even with a new cable? I asked this question this weekend but I
think it got buried by recent posts.

Charlie Sachs. Pittsburgh

 

[hippo]

<<Does anyone know what causes a working clutch to need a lot of pedal
force to release, even with a new cable? I asked this question this
weekend but I think it got buried by recent posts.

Charlie Sachs. Pittsburgh>>

Can you provide any more detail? Unsure from post whether 1/ you have a
heavy pedal or
2/ gearchange needs to be forced &/or crunches.

If 1/, no real idea, but for starters:
*Check release lever adjustment
*Check everything is connected properly and operating at both ends of the
cable (probably need an assistant)
*Check cable for free run and no kinks or tight angles
*Try substituting a second hand cable & see what happens

If 2/, Check release lever free play. Adjust if necessary. If you change
it, remember to readjust the hill holder!

Hope this helps. Cheers