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4/11/2016 7:38 AM  #1


MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

I installed the MS cable clutch and pedal for my T5 swap.
Instructions state to start with the adjuster all the way tight, then to loosen until Zero Lash.

What is zero lash and how do I tell if I'm there?
Currently, if I drive the car, it bucks pretty badly, so I'm wondering if that's maybe my issue, vs. and engine cutout, issue.

Thanks.

 

4/11/2016 8:55 AM  #2


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

zero lash. Climb under car and by hand push the clutch arm as far forward as possible. Tighten adjusting screw on cable until snug. The throw out bearing is supposed to ride on the clutch and no clearance like the older bearings. Fine tuning of clutch release/engagement can then be made with adjuster.


You can lead a horse to water, but you can't get him drunk
 

4/11/2016 12:36 PM  #3


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

Yep, basically you use the firewall adjuster to set pedal height, just like we used to do with our 5.0s. 

 

4/11/2016 1:18 PM  #4


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

soonerfan wrote:

Instructions state to start with the adjuster all the way tight, then to loosen until Zero Lash.

That is not exactly what it says, but I think the other guys have pretty much covered how to do it.

Adjust the firewall adjuster so the knurled knob is against the aluminum brace.

At the bellhousing, tighten the cable until the throwout bearing is against the pressure plate fingers.  That is zero lash.

At that point, tighten the cable at the bellhousing about three turns, then test drive to see where the clutch begins to engage
.
You can adjust it as you like it, but normally you want the clutch to engage with the pedal at about mid stroke.  Any tighter and the clutch might slip on hard acceleration.  Any looser and the clutch will not disengage completely when stopped or when shifting.  Do any remaining adjustment at the firewall brace. 

The rest of this is purely cosmetic, is not required, and does not change the adjustment.

Once you have everything adjusted like you like it, check to see how far the knurled knob is threaded away from the firewall brace. I like the knob to be tight against the brace, just because I think it looks better that way.  Note the gap between the knurled knob and the brace, then adjust the knob tight against the brace.  Go under the car and tighten the cable nut the same distance as the width of the gap you measured at the top.  That should finalize the adjustment process.

The cable will be a lot tighter in static position than you think it should be.  That is just how Ford designed the system.  Always be sure to use a FORD throwout bearing ONLY as the aftermarket stuff just won't last as long.


 

Last edited by MS (4/11/2016 1:20 PM)


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

4/11/2016 1:27 PM  #5


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

Thanks a bunch for the explanation.  I've been meaning to ask this question for a while and didn't have the instructions next to me when I typed my question.
I like the know turned in as well, so I'll follow the extra steps once I get it adjusted.  I have a feeling I don't have it tightened as much as it's supposed to be.

     Thread Starter
 

12/09/2018 12:00 PM  #6


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

Reviving this one with a random related question because my directions have also disappeared. There is a metal bracket on the cable which I assume is used to mount the cable to something. What is that bracket supposed to mount to?

 

12/09/2018 1:46 PM  #7


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

bracket was a mounting point on the later model cars......you can either find a suitable place to mount yours or get rid of it...... I got rid of mine 

 

12/09/2018 7:54 PM  #8


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

I took the bracket off and then mounted on an oil pan bolt to push the cable away from my headers.

 

12/09/2018 10:17 PM  #9


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

Chaplin wrote:

Reviving this one with a random related question because my directions have also disappeared. There is a metal bracket on the cable which I assume is used to mount the cable to something. What is that bracket supposed to mount to?

If you go to mustangsteve.com website and click on the clutch cable kit for your application, Steve has added a hot link within the item description that takes you to the installation instructions.......

 

12/10/2018 6:12 AM  #10


Re: MS Cable Clutch Adjustment ???

josh-kebob wrote:

Chaplin wrote:

Reviving this one with a random related question because my directions have also disappeared. There is a metal bracket on the cable which I assume is used to mount the cable to something. What is that bracket supposed to mount to?

If you go to mustangsteve.com website and click on the clutch cable kit for your application, Steve has added a hot link within the item description that takes you to the installation instructions.......

Thank you!!
 

 

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