How to Install a 68 Mustang Clutch Pedal Assist Spring

Many vintage Mustangs came with a three or four-speed manual transmission. The clutch on these models is operated by an equalizer rod that is attached to the upper end of the clutch pedal. An assist spring is used to reduce the amount of effort required to push in the clutch pedal. The assist spring also acts as a return spring, which brings the pedal back to its upper-limit stop when the clutch pedal is released. Replacing the assist spring can fix symptoms, such as a clutch pedal that is hard to depress, a pedal that stays on the floor when released or a pedal that does not return all the way to its upper-limit stop.

Instructions

Remove Assist Spring

1

Loosen, but do not remove the two bolts that attach the parking brake handle bracket to the underside of the dashboard with a socket and ratchet.

2

Use both hands to slowly push the clutch pedal to the floorboard, using care as the assist spring will compress and move the pedal to floorboard very quickly.

3

Reach up under the drivers side of the dashboard and remove the spring clip from the pin that attaches the clutch equalizer rod to the upper end of the clutch pedal with a pair of pliers. Remove the pin that holds the rod to the pedal. Lower the rod away from the pedal.

4

Move the clutch pedal slightly over to the left. Note that this is done so that the pedal will clear the pedal upper-limit stop when raised up.

5

Grasp the underside of the clutch pedal and raise it upward to release the pressure in the assist spring. Continue raising the pedal past the upper-limit stop. Slide the parking brake handle and bracket to the side to allow room, if necessary.

6

Reach under the dashboard and remove the hooked ends of the spring from the upper end of the pedal and the upper-limit stop. Remove the spring. Let the clutch pedal rotate back to the floor.

7

Check the condition of the nylon bushings on the upper end of the clutch pedal and the upper-limit stop, as they reduce the friction of the spring against the pedal and the stop by eliminating metal-to-metal contact. Slide worn bushings out and replace them with new parts, if necessary.

Assist Spring Installation

8

Pull the clutch pedal upward past the upper-limit stop, as this will allow you to install the assist spring while it is not under tension. Hook the ends of the spring over the nylon bushings on the clutch pedal and the upper limit stop.

9

Slowly lower the pedal as far as it will go under its own weight, ensuring that the ends of the spring remain hooked over the bushings. Note that the weight of the pedal should keep it and the spring in position once lowered.

10

Grasp the pedal with both hands and push it to the floor slowly, using care as the assist spring will compress and move the pedal toward the floorboard very quickly.

11

Slide the parking brake bracket into its original position and tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet. Grasp the clutch pedal with both hands and raise it to the upper limit stop.

12

Raise the end of the clutch equalizer rod to the upper end of the clutch pedal. Push the pin through the hole in the rod and the pedal. Push the spring clip into the small hole in the end of the pin to hold the assembly together.