Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: hey there, i recently had the clutch replaced on my vehicle. it is shifting hard, has a hard feel to the pedal when i attempt to engage the clutch, and a low release.  appears to be very tightly adjusted. i am being told that the pedal bracket is flexing. my regular mechanic seems to think that the clutch may not have even been replaced, the mechanic who installed the clutch says that the pedal bracket being flexed or bent is the problem...any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: The clutch may be installed wrong or the throw out bearing is about to collapse.The clutch should be smooth and no pressure at all.If the bracket is flexing,its because something is not working internally.I would go back to the person who installed it and investigate.It could be a pressure plate issue also.If that bracket snaps,its a major job to replace as the pedal box will have to come out,not fun.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: any recommendations on how to deal with the shop that installed the clutch?  they say to replace the pedal bracket (325 more $) and if that doesn't fix the issue, they will replace the clutch, again, at no charge.  is the throw out bearing part and the pressure plate separate from the clutch replacement?  or are those things that should be working fine with a new clutch? it seems like i may have been screwed by the mechanic that replaced the clutch.  thanks again.

Answer
The clutch kit comes with,pressure plate,friction plate,throw out bearing and pilot bearing and all is usually changed with the tranny removed.Any one of these items not replaced properly,can affect the clutch operation.It is very uncommon for the pedal bracket to bend or break.This may happen because the clutch isnt working freely but how to deal with the shop is a hard one.Get a good shop to look at it and get it in writing is your best bet and maybe the original shop will fix it.Seems like they are going to get money from you one way or the other.