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Clutch Pedal Sticking

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 65CJ5 SRD, Oct 20, 2019.

  1. Oct 20, 2019
    65CJ5 SRD

    65CJ5 SRD Member

    NM
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    The spot where my clutch pedal goes through the floorboard is worn and due to that, the backing washer tends to "stick" to the edges of the opening (mostly towards the top left position):

    P1020841_sm.JPG

    It's done this since I got the Jeep years ago and I finally want to fix it! What shape is that opening supposed to be? Mine has always been odd looking like it shows in the photo. When I operate the clutch it seems to have plenty of clearance there. So not sure why there's a slight rounded area up top or if the PO might have opened that up or not.

    I'm thinking I can just loosen up the bolt on the "arm" (see photo below) and add a larger washer or cut one from a piece of sheet metal. I don't think trying to add something to the floor itself will work too well but I could be wrong.

    P1020843_sm.JPG

    Anyone else had to deal with this? If so I'd like to know how you approached fixing it. I won't be able to get to this for awhile today so I thought since I have some time I'd ask youse guys about it.
     
  2. Oct 20, 2019
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    The root of the problem may be a worn out bushing at the pivot point of the pedal, the earl frame mounted pedals are notorious for this.
     
    47v6 likes this.
  3. Oct 20, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    You may want to check your body mounts and see if the tub has shifted, causing the interference of the pedal shaft.
     
    tcfeet likes this.
  4. Oct 20, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    As Grant said, your shaft and mount are worn out. You're going to need to fix it. Its involved and annoying, but its not going to get better
    Brake & Clutch Pivot Shaft Bracket with Tube Fits 48-71 CJ-2A, 3A, 3B, 5, M38, M38A1
    Use gloves or something, we aren't 19 years old anymore.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2019
    ziv

    ziv Member

    Israel
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    Mar 27, 2003
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    Worn out shaft bracket are easy to check and this is one possible reason.
    I can tell that even with a tight shaft this may happen after the body is moved and install back with new body mounts.
     
    tcfeet likes this.
  6. Oct 20, 2019
    65CJ5 SRD

    65CJ5 SRD Member

    NM
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    Pedal mount and shaft seem OK, no play at all in any direction. Pivot operation is excellent for both clutch and brake pedals. My bet would be body shifting over time. However, at this point the pedal arm seems well centered. At some time in the past it looks like it wasn't.

    At any rate, right now my main gripe is just the interference of the big washer against the floor sheet metal. It's very slight but annoying. I finally found someone here locally to take the Jeep to who has a shop, used to work on Jeeps all the time, and is semi-retired. I'll add this to the list for him to look at. I tried freeing the pedal and the arm, but was not successful. I don't have the tools, room or strength to do this one!

    For the time being, I cut a rubber washer from an old bed mat just slightly larger in diameter than the washer and put that in there to stop the washer hanging up. I'd guess it won't last long but it's worth a shot for a month while I'm waiting on the mechanic to have time to look at everything. It may be that he'll want to fix the floor but we'll see.

    I have a list for this mechanic that's growing...
     
    Hellion likes this.
  7. Oct 20, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    another solution maybe
    CAM00521 - Copy.jpg

    now it's a little worn from years of use . no washer on pedal shaft
     
    ITLKSEZ, 65CJ5 SRD and Focker like this.
  8. Oct 20, 2019
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    Seems to me the washer part of your pedal draft pad is getting stuck in the hole of the tub.
    Pedal Draft Pad Kit—Pedal Draft Pad Kit 1941-1971 MB, GPW, CJ

    I think the steel washer goes behind the larger felt or rubber pad that goes against the hole and seals the opening..(?)
    Looks like yours have deteriorated down to nothing leaving nothing but the washer....

    I would like to see how big the pedal holes are supposed to be. Anyone have intact sheet metal down there or factory photos?

    EDIT--reading post #6, I understand the OP has basically fixed it with a homemade rubber washer.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2019
    colojeepguy likes this.
  9. Oct 21, 2019
    65CJ5 SRD

    65CJ5 SRD Member

    NM
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    Yes, the existing metal washer is hanging up on the hole of the tub. And yes, for now I have added a slightly larger rubber "washer" made from an old pickup bed mat similar to what's shown in your link. It seems to work, for now. I drove it around yesterday and no more big CLICK every time I depress the clutch.

    I could not get the pedal out (which would be required to install that pedal kit from the link). With my busted up finger I was unable to remove it. So I just "split" the "washer" and popped it in. So far it's working but a permanent solution is still needed. If the mechanic I have tentatively lined up for some work in a month becomes available, I'll have him look into this as well. He should be able to get the pedal out and effect a better fix.
     
  10. Oct 21, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    In order to remove the pedal from the arm you need to fully remove the bolt. The pedal has a recess cut into it where the bolt passes through the pedal and into the threaded side of the arm. It’s not just a clamp style assembly.
     
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  11. Oct 21, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    What Chris says for removing the pedal arm. Find a larger diameter fender washer, or make one. Yes, the felt or rubber eliminates that familiar "click" when the pedal returns to the released position!
    -Donny
     
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  12. Oct 21, 2019
    65CJ5 SRD

    65CJ5 SRD Member

    NM
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    See, this is why I like to ask about these things here! I did not know that, I figured it was a clamp fit. OK, I'll try it again then. THANKS for that tip! I've got lots of bed mat so I'll make another washer for it without the split.

    Edit: Yep, that is indeed how the pedal was mounted. I was able to make a new rubber washer even a bit bigger than the last one but with no split. I eased and smoothed the top edge of the floor opening a bit with a file as well. Thanks again for the info, that made it possible to do the way I wanted to do it originally! This fix should hold until I can look at new body mounts. I think that's where the tight clearance between pedal arm and floor hole is coming from. For now though, it looks good.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2019
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  13. Nov 9, 2019
    dieseljeeper

    dieseljeeper New Member

    spanaway, wa
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    the cool thing about Willys is the body mount rubbers were originally made from pieces of car tires. So you could collect a life time supply along the freeway on a hot day. And, if you are so inclined you can use the left over pieces of the recap you collected to make rock guards for your bush hog instead of buying the $300 chain guards from your favorite farm supply leaving you more funds to invest in your Willys. Just saying, thats how I roll,redneck engineering on an Amish budget
     
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  14. Nov 9, 2019
    hooliganrick

    hooliganrick Sponsor

    San Diego, CA
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    I had the same issue, but with the brake pedal. I used plastic cutting board material, 1/2" thick. used a hole saw, cut to a larger diameter then the pedal hole. I've also replaced the pedal mount and shaft. Been working out great for awhile now. It was easier then finding a larger washer, and it pretty much covers the entire opening.
     
    65CJ5 SRD likes this.
  15. Nov 10, 2019
    65CJ5 SRD

    65CJ5 SRD Member

    NM
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    So far the rubber bed mat fix has worked great. No problem on the brake pedal side. I'm glad as that one is harder to deal with.
     
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