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Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

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Old 03-01-2017, 04:48 PM
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Trouble removing clutch master cylinder


I'm replacing my clutch master cylinder. I remove the 2 bolts on that U shaped bracket. Now I can't detach the master cylinder rod from the pedal. I can't even feel the connection with my fingers. There are too many wires in that area under the dash. Is there a trick that I'm missing?
Old 03-01-2017, 06:14 PM
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Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

It's just a snap in plastic bushing that's probably brittle as can be... Reach up under there and find the rod from the firewall. Follow it back to the pedal, and push it toward the center of the car, and it should give way. Plan on replacing the plastic insert.
Old 03-01-2017, 06:31 PM
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

If it's an earlier car, it's a metal clip, with a center piece that goes over the top of the end of the stud and clips onto the far side of it. Gotta lift it up off of there and slide it off.
Old 03-01-2017, 11:59 PM
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Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

Weird... Wasn't 84 the first year for hydraulic clutch? Because my 84 Camaro had the snap in plastic bushing the same as later cars. It's possible someone had changed it before I got there. Hmm.
Old 03-02-2017, 08:28 AM
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Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

My Trans Am is an '84. I'll find out soon enough if the connection is plastic or metal.
Old 03-02-2017, 09:51 AM
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Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

Oh my gosh! This is insane! After contorting my body to get my head under the dash, I managed to take some pictures with my iPhone. It looks like the clutch mc is connected to the pedal by a metal tab. How in the heck am I supposed to remove it? I can barely get a finger on the connection. In the pictures, the clutch connection is circled in red. In one picture, a blue circle is around the brake pedal connection. What a stupid design!!!














Old 03-02-2017, 03:40 PM
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Re: Trouble removing clutch master cylinder

Success - I was barely able to get a flat screwdriver into the metal tab. I pried upwards and pushed. It finally sprung off the clutch pedal. The master cylinder rod easily detached after that. The replacement master cylinder has the plastic snap bushing, and I think I'll just use that. I don't think I could put the metal tab back on. There is no room under the dash for precision work.

The culprit and the old master cylinder...






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