How to Adjust a Clutch

The clutch engages your engine to the transmission. Due to continual usage, the clutch parts can wear down, requiring that it be adjusted to compensate for normal wear. If you step on the clutch pedal and it travels more than 2 or 3 inches before you feel any resistance, you need to adjust the clutch. Making this adjustment is not difficult and you can do the job yourself in about an hour, saving you the cost of the time and labor.

Things You'll Need

• brake fluid
• open ended wrench set

Instructions

How to Adjust a Clutch

1. Determine whether your vehicle has a hydraulic clutch or is cable driven before attempting to make any adjustments. If it is hydraulic, locate the clutch fluid reservoir in the engine compartment.

2. Take the cap off the clutch fluid reservoir and check to see how low the fluid level is in the tank. If it is below 3/4 full, then refill the reservoir with brake fluid (see tips section for further information) and reattach the cap.

3. Lift the clutch pedal with your foot by pulling it toward the car seat and holding it there for a minute. Many vehicles come with a self-adjusting clutch feature, allowing the pedal to readjust when you pull it forward.

4. Check the adjustment to see if you are satisfied with the feel of the clutch pedal after it self-adjusts. If not, look under the dashboard and locate the stop-nut on the clutch arm that attaches to the pedal.

5. Loosen the nut with an open-ended wrench, and position the pedal where you want it to be. Once you have it in place, tighten the nut and test the clutch pedal again.

6. Adjust any remaining "play" in the clutch pedal by locating the clutch master cylinder and loosening the adjustment nut with an open-ended wrench. Set the adjustment rod where you want it and lock it in place by tightening the nut.

Tips & Warnings

• In hydraulic clutch pedals, brake fluid is use in the reservoir tanks to operate the clutch. To locate clutch adjustment nuts, refer to your owner's manual or a service manual for your make and model of vehicle

• Allow your engine to cool down before attempting to do any mechanical work to avoid burns or other injuries.

Resources

• All clutch parts