Mechanic Glossary

Clutch Pedal

The driver-operated foot pedal in a manual transmission vehicle that disengages the clutch mechanism to allow gear shifting.

The clutch pedal is the leftmost pedal in a manual car. Pushing it down separates the engine from the transmission. This lets you change gears or stop the vehicle without stalling the engine. The pedal connects to the clutch master cylinder hydraulically or via a cable.

A soft clutch pedal means you have air in the fluid lines. If the pedal wiggles side to side, the bushings inside the bracket assembly are worn out. A pedal that stays stuck to the floor indicates a blown master or slave cylinder that can no longer hold hydraulic pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually a dry return spring or worn pivot bushings on the pedal bracket. A spray of lithium grease can stop the noise.
Air in the hydraulic fluid lines. Bleeding the clutch slave and master cylinders will restore a firm feel.
A failed master cylinder or a broken slave cylinder leaking fluid. Sometimes, a snapped clutch cable is the culprit.
Typically about one-half to one inch of free travel at the top of the pedal's stroke. Check your service manual for exact specs.

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