Pedal Adjustment
How to Adjust Clutch Free Play
I suggest buying a service manual for your particular Make, Model and Year vehicle.
This description is from a 1969 Chassis Service Manual, that covers Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro, ChevyII/Nova and Corvette.
CLUTCH LINKAGE ADJUSTMENTThere is one linkage adjustment (clutch fork push rod or pedal push rod) to compensate for all normal clutch wear.
The clutch pedal should have free travel (measured at clutch pedal pad) before the throwout bearing engages the clutch diaphragm spring levers (Pressure plate fingers). Lash is required to prevent clutch slippage which would occur if the bearing was held against the fingers or to prevent the bearing from running continually until failure.
Chevrolet and Corvette
- Disconnect spring (E) between clutch push rod and Cross Shaft Lever (z-bar)
- With the clutch pedal against stop: loosen jam nuts sufficiently to allow the adjusting rod to move against the clutch fork until release bearing contacts the pressure plate fingers lightly.
- Rotate upper nut (B) against swivel and back off 4-1/2 turns. Tighten lower nut (A) to lock swivel against nut (B).
- Install return spring (E) and check clutch pedal free travel. Pedal free travel should be:
- Chevrolet - 1" to 1-1/2"
- Corvette (STD) - 1-1/4" to 2"
- Corvette (HVY DTY) - 2" to 2-1/2"
RUSS'S NOTES: (E) is return spring, (A) and (B) are jamb nuts with (B) being the upper (toward pedal).
Chevelle, Chevy II and Camaro
- Disconnect return spring at clutch fork
- With clutch pedal against stop: loosen lock nut (C) sufficiently to allow the adjusting rod to be turned out of the swivel and against clutch fork until the release bearing contacts the pressure plate fingers lightly.
- Rotate push rod into swivel 3 turns and tighten locknut.
NOTE: Chevy II and Camaro V-8 engine models use a two piece push rod.
Turn adjusting rod portion of push rod 3 Turns into rod end and tighten locknut. - Reinstall return spring and check pedal free travel. Pedal free travel should be:
- Chevelle - 1-1/8" to 1-3/4"
- Chevy II and Camaro - 1" to 1-1/8"