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I've done clutch adjustment at the clutch for years no problem. Now it starts out fine, but slowly more and more play develops in the cable to the point of no clutch. I adjust again making sure the lock nut and the cable adjuster is tight. Within a few miles the slack starts to return to the cable, everything is still tight, but the cable has slack. The cable is original with 45K miles. Any ideas??? Thanks
That old cable doesn`t owe you a thing, now would be a good time to replace it. Link to Barnett
Are you following the cutch adjustment process called out in the factory service manual (diaphragm spring measurement, A, B, C, plate position etc) Blue circle in illustration.
Remove the right side cover on the transmission and inspect the throwout bearing (green circle).
Also inspect the ***** and ramps (Purple circle).
When removing or installing the bolts that hold the adjustment plate/pressure plate, loosen and tighten them evenly, the posts on the hub are known to be a weak point (Red circle).
FYI to those not familiar with this era clutch:
1984-1/2 to1989 5 speed clutches are a different animal than 1990 and later.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 27, 2025 at 02:49 PM.
FLSH..sorry..I've removed the clutch cable, inspected all the components as suggested. The rod end, clutch push rod left side flat surface against the adjusting screw is chewed up like its being worn down. Metal filings in the tunnel? Took a rifle cleaning rod and cleaned it out. Will probably order a complete push rod component set and clutch cable. Am I on the right track?
FLSH..sorry..I've removed the clutch cable, inspected all the components as suggested. The rod end, clutch push rod left side flat surface against the adjusting screw is chewed up like its being worn down. Metal filings in the tunnel? Took a rifle cleaning rod and cleaned it out. Will probably order a complete push rod component set and clutch cable. Am I on the right track?
This type of damage can occour when the clutch is adjusted too tight, it causes the pushrod ends to eat into each other.
Replace the end that goes through the plate with part number 37090-84A, it is an upgraded design.
Also replace the throwout bearing (item6) and the washers (item 7), in addition to any parts you found worn/damaged.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 28, 2025 at 05:25 PM.
FLSH..sorry..I've removed the clutch cable, inspected all the components as suggested. The rod end, clutch push rod left side flat surface against the adjusting screw is chewed up like its being worn down. Metal filings in the tunnel? Took a rifle cleaning rod and cleaned it out. Will probably order a complete push rod component set and clutch cable. Am I on the right track?
Right track. Replace the throw out bearing also.
Look at the back of adjuster plate. There is a thin ridge, check it for deep wear marks that match the fingers on the spring plate.
Do not order a heavy duty spring plate. If you need to replace that adjuster plate, get back to us.
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