Clutch pivot arm spring reason?

**AntonyR** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:16 AM

I just bought an '87 Spider Quad and I'm having a hard time getting the clutch bled. One thing that I noticed while down there was that I didnt see that the spring that runs along the pivot arm was there(not talking about the earlier return spring). Is that a very necessary piece? Is it dangerous to drive without it? What is its function?

**ghnl** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:56 AM

Not sure what 'spring' you are refering to. There is no return spring on the clutch actuating arm (at the slave cylinder). If someone put one there it will force the slave cylinder to retract too far and you won't get proper clutch operation - all the pedal movement will do is take up the slack the incorrect spring put into the system. (I think there is a 'leftover' hole in the arm from an earlier model that makes it appear there should/could be a return spring there.)

Do you mean the spring clip inside the bellhousing? That holds the actuating arm in position on the ball it pivots on. I would guess it's needed but it might work without it (until the arm got dislocated off the pivot...).

**AntonyR** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:56 AM

yes thats it. can it be fairly easily replaced with the trans still in the car?

alfaman1963 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:27 PM

It's very easy to replace ....Just remove the transmission....Jim

**AntonyR** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfaman1963

It's very easy to replace ....Just remove the transmission....Jim

**Tifosi** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 02:17 AM

Seriously.

Though it's not uber high on the list of things that are missed if not present and I'd bet there's way more than a few cars out there with it missing. (mine for one...)

It's most basic job is to hold the fork while the trans is being stuffed in. Beyond that, it just kinda sits there as the fork ends up kinda wedged between the ball, slave cylinder and throwout bearing.

**AntonyR** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:44 PM

I was thinking that maybe the spring sorta kept the fork level as it sits on the pivot ball with the clutch out. Maybe not. I just need to make the in the next day or so to order one before I get the tranny back in. If it turns out that it's just used as security during the trans install, I guess I can do without. Anyone want to chime in before I commit to the trans re-install?

And i never found that "washer" that is in the above diagram that is next to the spring in question. I just got a thing about missing parts....

**alfasrule** · #8 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 06:15 AM

The best way to bleed it is from the bottom. I use a vacum unit, you can a loaner at Autozone, it'll save aggravation

**papajam** · #9 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntonyR

And i never found that "washer" that is in the above diagram that is next to the spring in question. I just got a thing about missing parts....

**AntonyR** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papajam

That 'washer' is a rubber dust seal to keep road grime out of the freshly greased ball and fork socket (hint, hint).
Probably have a few of them floating about if I'd like one.