I just went through the whole linkage on my 6 cyl. Not sure what my 20 year old squeak was, but it is gone now. This is what I fixed or replaced: Z bar was bent, causing the rod from the pedal to scrape the fire wall. Fixed it. Replaced all of the springs. On the pedal bracket, I replaced the bushings (which were oval rather than circular at this point) with the scott drake bearing kit. I put new nylon washers in for the assist spring. So, Im not sure what particular item it was, but the clutch operates better now and doesn't squeak any longer.

 

The noise almost certainly coming from teh lack of having the nylon unsulators at each end of the assist spring under the dash. Since it's been doing this a long time, the spring will have worn notches in the spring bracket and pedal arm, which will need to be welded and filed back to shape. The spring may be damaged, too, requiring replacement. The pedal shaft bushings and pushrod bushings should be replaced, and I agree, the Drake roller kit works well, and smooths pedal action and reduces required effort.

 

I did forget to mention that I welded the spring bracket and pedal arm, then I reshaped them with a file. The years of pressing the clutch without the nylon bushings will wear the pieces out of tolerance. If you don't fix the seats for the bushings, they wont sit right and will break again, likely quickly after installation.

 

Thanks guys. That's is what I was dreading. Think I'll wait until winter and rip it all out and do it the right way. I was hoping it would be a 10 minute spring replacement but I might as well do it right.

 

As far as the pedal action 22GT, mine is still heavier than I would like. I have a 1966 6 cylinder, with a 1967 3 speed transmission installed. My issue is that when I replaced the clutch I installed a clutch and pressure plate for a 1967. Should be the same I would think, however, what I am thinking is that the springs in the pressure plate are a bit too heavy duty for my little 6 cylinder engine. The clutch is still too hard to push in my opinion. Do you have one to recommend?

 

The year of the clutch should make no difference.

As for effort, the first time I used the Drake kit, it was a 69 428CJ. When I was done, an 11-year-old girl could have pressed the clutch pedal. These cars came from the factory with clutches intended for daily use by women. If yours is too hard for that, there's something wrong with the linkage.

 

If you install a centerforce clutch you probably won't need the spring. I installed the Mustang Steve bearing kit on the clutch pedal, installed centerforce clutch and have heim joints on my clutch adjustment rods and I don't need the clutch return spring inside the car.

 

Just upgrading from a stock three finger pressure plate to a more modern unit will allow you to eliminate the assist spring. I installed all new linkage, hardware and bushings in my car about 2 years ago and cant believe how much easier the clutch pedal was to use. All the creaking was gone as well, but the spring was making the majority of the noise in my car.

 

+1 on removing the sping inside the car. Give it a try, you can always put it back in.

 

You guys understand that it not just and assist spring, it is also a return spring. The spring will help you hold the clutch pedal on the floor but it will also help return the pedal to the top when you are not pressing the clutch.

 

Is this the kit you guys are talking about?

Scott Drake Roller Bearing Clutch/Brake Pedal Support Bushing Kit 1965-1970
Part Number: HW1015

Because my clutch pedal makes a god awful creaking noise traveling in both directions. I am going to order a new return spring and bushing as well. Sometimes it feels like the pedal hangs when releasing the clutch so I am thinking maybe the bushing hole is no longer round. If this is the case do you guys think the new bushing will help still. I don't have the access to or the ability to weld and reshape the hole.

 

Absolutely agree on replacing the nylon bushings with some sort of bearing, either Scott Drake or Mustang Steve. I had Mustang Steve do mine. 22GT hit the nail on the head with the spring. I did away with my spring and replaced it with a much lighter one just to take of the slack.

 

I agree with just about all of the above. I had a creaky clutch pedal for the longest time. When I redid the interior of my car, I pulled out the brake and clutch pedal assembly. The holes in the support were pretty shot, so I did the Mustang Steve roller bearing conversion. With the holes being worn out, the clutch rod was rubbing against the firewall, which was causing the majority of the noise. After redoing the clutch support with the Mustang Steve kit, no more noise, and the clutch pedal doesn't hang up on the return. Now if I can just stop myself from trying to pull up the clutch pedal with my foot when letting go...did that for years, and now it's a habit!

 

C5ZZ-2478-RBMK