Clutch adjustment?

GEG

MEMBER
1989 CHEVROLET TRUCK

I have 145.000 miles on a used but not abused pu. The clutch would take a hold right at the top of travel. I saw no adjustment under the dash and at slave cylinder. Everyone said that this is self adjusting that the clutch needed replacing. After pulling the old clutch only has.070 differnts in thickness to the new clutch. The pressure plate springs shows only.08 in height. I don't feel that this enough to warrant a new. So what is wrong. Am I missing something with the hyd system Seeing the trans is out a new clutch is going in put I have to make sure everything else is working

1 Reply

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Adjusting the clutch on a 1989 Chevrolet truck involves several steps. Here's a general guide on how to do it:

Safety First: Park your truck on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and block the wheels. Make sure the vehicle is in neutral and the engine is off.

Locate the Clutch Pedal and Linkage: Open the hood and locate the clutch linkage near the transmission. This is where the adjustment is made. The exact location and design can vary depending on whether your truck has a hydraulic or mechanical clutch system.

Adjusting a Mechanical Clutch:

Locate the adjustment rod connected to the clutch pedal.
There should be a locknut and an adjuster nut on this rod.
Loosen the locknut and then turn the adjuster nut. Turning the nut one way will tighten the clutch cable, making the clutch engage sooner (closer to the floor). Turning it the other way will loosen the cable, making the clutch engage later (further from the floor).
After adjusting, depress the clutch pedal several times to ensure it feels right.
Once satisfied, tighten the locknut without changing the adjuster nut's position.
Adjusting a Hydraulic Clutch:

Hydraulic clutches are typically self-adjusting. However, if there is an issue, it could be due to air in the system or low fluid levels.
Check the hydraulic fluid reservoir (similar to a brake fluid reservoir). If low, fill it up with the correct type of hydraulic fluid.
If there is air in the system or the clutch is still not engaging correctly, you may need to bleed the hydraulic system to remove air bubbles.
Test Drive: After adjustment, take the truck for a test drive to ensure the clutch is operating smoothly and engaging and disengaging correctly. Pay attention to where the clutch pedal begins to engage as you release it. There should be about an inch or two of free play at the top of the pedal travel.

Remember, if you are not comfortable performing these adjustments yourself, or if adjusting does not resolve the issue, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic. Clutch issues can be indicative of more significant problems, such as a worn clutch plate or issues with the transmission itself.