Hard clutch pedal = worn clutch?

[RomanV]

One thing I have noticed about my MR2, is the really heavy clutch pedal.
Especially after driving a starlet for the last few months!
I was wondering, why is this? Does the pedal become heavier as the clutch wears?
Or could it possibly be due to an aftermarket clutch?
Or are all SW20 clutches quite heavy?
It still functions flawlessly, with no noticeable slip.

Any ideas?

[Dr-X]

Some clutches are heavier than others - I wouldn't be worried. They dont get heavier as they wear

[RomanV]

Well Ive never worn a clutch out before, so I dont know what the symptoms are. Apart from slipping of course.

Its just that I lent my mate my car a while back, and he was bitching about the clutch. He seemed to think that when he got his clutch replaced, it was a lot lighter. (he has a toyota curren with a 3SGE aswell)

Also since my car is in the 195xxx k's region, I doubt it still has the original clutch.

It doesnt bother me, I like it nice and hard.

[Dr-X]

Your mate probably had his clutch replaced with a lighter aftermarket item.

[kingcorolla]

Your mate probably had his clutch replaced with a lighter aftermarket item.

why do you say that?

when i have replaced clutches in a couple of cars, the pedals always turns out softer, both hydrolic and cable! Im just guessing just the stiffness in the pressure fingers on the PP increases over time.

with a new clutch kit, and fliud, feels like stepping on a cloud.

[Dr-X]

I'm saying the new clutch kits (which more often than not come with a new p/plate) are lighter than the OEM item. That's my guess anyway.

[CozmoNz]

the mr2 im driving ^_^ teehee. has a much heavier clutch than my trueno.

also the position of seating may take a minor role in this.

pushing In feels harder to do than pushing down... youll sit alot higher in the Starlet (i feel like a hilux in my trueno now ).

No idea if the clutches are different between a 3sgte and a 3sge, i dont remember dj's being all that heavy, but i only drove it for a short time so i really couldnt take to much notice.

In short, yes, they are heavier starlet clutches .

[sopachrga]

Some clutches are heavier than others - I wouldn't be worried. They dont get heavier as they wear

Not trying to start an argument here, but Clutches can, and more often than not, do get heavier as they wear.

It is just the way that a pressure plate is designed.

[Dr-X]

I've gone through many clutches in a few different cars, and have never noticed ANY weight difference between a worn clutch and it's replacement.

[sopachrga]

Hmmmm? maybe we need someone who knows all about them to answer this then. Because I HAVE noticed a difference as a clutch wears.

[CozmoNz]

Hmmmm? maybe we need someone who knows all about them to answer this then. Because I HAVE noticed a difference as a clutch wears.

id have to agree with this.

My old subarus clutch was worn like a mofo... i mean, on the motorway 100kph in 5th, and you come on boost, and she slips... drive away down the road a bit to quick and she slips etc.

was quite a heavy clutch. I got a newie put in and OMGOSH someone lifted an anvel from my foot.

defentialy a change.

But then again, they could have *tightened* the clutch cable. so it could be a few other things too, but im agreeing with sopachrga so far.

[Dr-X]

Hmmmm? maybe we need someone who knows all about them to answer this then. Because I HAVE noticed a difference as a clutch wears.

id have to agree with this.

My old subarus clutch was worn like a mofo... i mean, on the motorway 100kph in 5th, and you come on boost, and she slips... drive away down the road a bit to quick and she slips etc.

was quite a heavy clutch. I got a newie put in and OMGOSH someone lifted an anvel from my foot.

defentialy a change.

But then again, they could have *tightened* the clutch cable. so it could be a few other things too, but im agreeing with sopachrga so far.

But was your subby clutch a naturally heavy one, or did it get heavy as it wore? You probably just replaced it with a lighter p/plate. I've never heard of a clutch getting heavier as it wears.

[sopachrga]

After having my clutch replaced last week, my mechanic said that the clutch will get heavier as it wears.
I personally noticed this as well.

So I am going off what he said, he is quite a highly regarded mechanic here in CHCH, so he's no fool.

It was very worn too!!

Maybe it has something to do with how worn the fingers on the pressure plate are?