Adjusting clutch pedal on LHD Defender

[dchsw]

My 90 has a bad clutch action - bite point too near the floor - so I decided to adjust it today.

Problem is that I'd forgotten that on a LHD defender the clutch master cylinder is wedged between the brake servo and the inner wing (it's much easier to get at on a RHD model) and I can't get the back screws on the cover plate out.

Anyone got a tip for me? Hopefully one that does not involve taking the wing off :shock:

Thanks, David

[JD]

Was able to adjust mine from the top using SAE wrenches that were small. Wanted to go get a cheap pair next time and band them to get better swing.

JD
MOD 110

[Bill E.]

Hi David, JD is right, you should be able to do the adjustment without taking off the wing albeit that the amount of wrench room is extremely restricted. The cover plate screws are another matter, no magic bullit with that operation, frozen threads and snapped heads are standard.

[dchsw]

Ok, managed to get the cover plate off but no adjustment was needed in the end. Once the plate was removed it became obvious that there was too much travel inside the master cylinder and although the system did not feel spongy it turned out I just needed to bleed the line to get a half-decent action back.

There's still a little air in the system I think, but I can't seem to find any of the one-man bleed systems I used to have in the UK. It worked by screwing an alternate top on the resevoir connected to a secondary tank which had an air hose on it that you hoooked up to the spare tire to presurise the system whilst you got underneath the truck and loosened the bleed nipple. Once no more air appears, you're done.

Anyone seen something like that here?

[Rob]

Hi Dave

I made a device like you describe out of an old truck tire tube and a hose clamp. Just cut out the section of tube that had the valve stem in the middle. I'd place this over the resevoir and hold it in place with a hose clamp. Worked well.

Regards, Rob

[harv]

I use a similar method on my 2A. I regulate the air pressure on my compressor to about 10 psi, then put a piece of 5/16 fuel hose on the end of my air blaster and hold it on the air vent hole on the brake/clutch reservoir (wheel cyl bleed port open with a hose on it). This is a variation of gravity bleeding, but the fluid flows much faster and pushes all the air out before it can flow back to its hiding place. This works very well on my truck. Make sure you don't hold the air on too long before you refill the reservoir.
Harv