This Spring Makes Gear Shifts Easier & Clutch Pedal Wear After 10 Years of Learners

Summary

This video explores the intricate design and functionality of a clutch pedal, particularly one that has endured extensive use in a learner car. The host demonstrates how the pedal assists in smooth gear changes, explains the hydraulic system, and reveals the wear and tear on the pedal after 208,000 miles. The video concludes with a discussion on the decision to replace the entire pedal due to its worn components, highlighting the improved driving experience.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The clutch pedal discussed is from a learner car that has been used extensively, covering over 208,000 miles or about 330,000 km.
• 🔧 The pedal has been used more frequently than in a typical town-driven car due to its use in teaching driving, potentially equivalent to 1 million miles.
• 📚 Understanding the hydraulic system is crucial for grasping how the clutch pedal functions, involving the master and slave cylinders and the clutch release bearing.
• 🔧 Pressing the clutch pedal forces hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder, which then pushes on the slave cylinder, releasing the clutch.
• 🔄 The clutch pedal's design includes an over-center spring, which changes the pedal's weight at different points of travel for better control and feel.
• 🔍 The pedal's weight changes as you approach the clutch bite point, making it easier to determine when the clutch is engaged or disengaged.
• 🛠️ After years of use, the clutch pedal shows signs of wear, particularly in the pivot pin and bush of the master cylinder, affecting the pedal's smoothness.
• 🧐 The nylon bearings in the pedal show minimal wear despite extensive use, indicating a durable design.
• 🔧 Replacing worn parts like the master cylinder, pivot pin, and bush can restore the pedal's performance, but sometimes it's more practical to replace the entire pedal.
• 💰 The decision to replace the entire pedal was influenced by the difficulty of sourcing individual parts and the potential for improved performance and ease of installation.
• 👍 The video concludes with a recommendation for viewers to check out links for car insurance options, highlighting the benefits for learner drivers and car owners.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the clutch pedal discussed in the video?

The clutch pedal is a crucial part of a manual transmission vehicle that helps the driver change gears smoothly by disengaging and re-engaging the clutch.

How long has the clutch pedal in the video been in use?

The clutch pedal has been in use for 10 years and has covered over 208,000 miles, which is approximately 330,000 kilometers.

What is unique about the clutch pedal's design in the video?

The clutch pedal is designed to change its weight as the driver approaches the bite point, making it easier to tell when the clutch is fully engaged.

How does the clutch pedal's hydraulic system work?

The hydraulic system works by forcing hydraulic fluid out of the master cylinder when the clutch pedal is pressed, which then pushes on the slave cylinder to release the clutch.

What is the 'over center spring' mentioned in the video?

The over center spring is a part of the clutch pedal that provides a different feel to the pedal at different points of its travel, making it easier for the driver to locate the bite point.

Why was the clutch pedal in the video replaced?

The clutch pedal was replaced due to signs of wear and tear, such as the worn bush in the master cylinder and the play in the pivot pin, which affected the pedal's feel and smooth operation.

What is the significance of the clutch pedal's pivot pin and bush in the video?

The pivot pin and bush are critical components that connect the clutch pedal to the master cylinder. Wear on these parts can affect the smoothness and feel of the clutch pedal.

What did the narrator do to diagnose the wear on the clutch pedal?

The narrator stripped down the clutch pedal, examined the pivot pin, bush, and bearings for wear, and explained how these parts contribute to the pedal's performance.

Why did the narrator decide to replace the entire clutch pedal instead of just the worn parts?

The narrator decided to replace the entire clutch pedal because the individual parts were not available for purchase separately, and it was more efficient to replace the whole pedal in one go.

What was the outcome of replacing the clutch pedal?

After replacing the clutch pedal, the narrator found it to be much smoother and quieter than before, with a lighter feel, which improved the overall driving experience.

What additional information is provided in the video for those learning to drive or looking for car insurance?

The video provides information about Conwood and Confused.com for car insurance, offering discounts and the ability to compare multiple insurance quotes easily.