Author Topic: Amateur question about the clutch pedal (Read 2539 times)

mwilderl · « **on:** December 18, 2011, 01:35:40 AM »

I swapped a m42 into my e21, runs pretty well and all but the clutch engages very very soon in the clutch pedal's range of motion, is there any way to alter that? Feels like a stupid question to ask but i can't think of anything and would appreciate some input before i wasted any money on a slave cylinder or anything else

Geoff · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2011, 07:11:41 AM »

theres not too much adjustment available in a hydraulic clutch. usually when that problem happens, there is air in the system, which you can address by bleeding it. If you have determined that there is no air present but you still have a problem, the condition of the slave cylinder or the master must be suspect. If it works fine, but just releases close to the floor, then you may have to get used to the way it releases. Mine works fine, but releases pretty close to the floor too.
Geoff

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:37:50 AM »

+1, might have air in the system or a weak cylinder. Check the clutch pedal bearing and frame for bending.

Did you match the slave & master, or use the 320i master on the M42 slave? I also don't recall if the e21 clutch has any adjusters built in. The e30 has one for spring tension but not pedal sweep IIRC.

I'll bet they're not exactly the same. If you're desperate, and very careful, it's possible to modify the clutch pushrod to set the clutch lever height.

mwilderl · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2011, 11:35:39 PM »

The engagement point is actually at the very top of the pedal's travel, not near the floor at all... I looked on pelican parts and it looks as though they are the same part. I have the original one from the m42(which looked like crap), but i had just gotten a rebuilt one for the m10 several months before the swap. They look exactly the same as far as i could tell.

Geoff · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2011, 05:24:23 AM »

sorry, I had it backwards...well, usually when that happens, the clutch is at the end of its useful life. I guess you put a new disk in there when you swapped the motor in? if not, its probably just a worn disk
Geoff

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2011, 06:43:52 AM »

If they're a different diameter you'll have some problems, of course. But you could compensate by shortening the slave push rod. I couldn't find any specifics either way though.

I know the brake pedal can be adjusted quite a bit, but I'm honestly not sure about adjusting the clutch pedal...

mwilderl · « **Reply #6 on:** December 20, 2011, 12:03:46 AM »

Alright, thank you both!

Sounds like it's time to start saving up for a new clutch and flywheel set up