Fb rx7 clutch feel?

So just finished replacing and bleeding the slave cylinder. Go to push the pedal and it feels like it has little to no resitance. Is this normal for this car? Really hoping something is messed up in the trans.

Not normal. It should have a fair amount of resistance. I'm not talking 60's vintage 1-ton truck resistance, but you should feel the pedal. Sounds like something isn't right. Why would you hope for a trouble in the transmission? If it's the transmission you will have to pull it out which involves disconnecting the exhaust, and none of that is fun. I'm good at it, but I have an aftermarket exhaust, and lots of experience. Also it helps when the car isn't rusty. Maybe you didn't fully bleed the hydraulics?

With all stock like components they have a light clutch feel but not completely numb, along the lines of a new economy vehicle, at least that's my experience with stockish FB's

Does the clutch work?

Just realized I my original post said I hoped for something in the trans. Ment I hopes its not the trans. Going to try bleeding the system again later today and see if that adds some resistance.

I found that removing the slave cylinder and settign it higher than the master cylinder REALLY helps bleeding these things. Make sure you put something around it so you don't just push the cylinder out.

I JUST did this a few days ago... Bleed with slave on trans and pedal feels numb. Raise teh slave up and bleed and pedal feels AWESOME!

LOL just had the same experience of being used to the clutch in an Rx8 and then driving an FB rx7. The FB clutch is so much lighter than an Rx8's that you think nothing is happening and it couldn't possibly be working but it does. Have someone watch the motion of the clutch fork/lever when you press the pedal down and they should see it move maybe 1.5". I realized that if there was nothing there when you push the pedal down it would stay down on the floor and not return up. Just a matter of getting used to it.

bruceman wrote: LOL just had the same experience of being used to the clutch in an Rx8 and then driving an FB rx7. The FB clutch is so much lighter than an Rx8's that you think nothing is happening and it couldn't possibly be working but it does. Have someone watch the motion of the clutch fork/lever when you press the pedal down and they should see it move maybe 1.5". I realized that if there was nothing there when you push the pedal down it would stay down on the floor and not return up. Just a matter of getting used to it.

Just be careful with that rx8 clutch pedal. If it is a little stiff and squeaks, it is ready to snap off.

Ask me how I know....

In reply to bruceman:

When I look at the slave cylinder it clearly pushes the fork back. However when the pedal is depressed I can move the fork back by hand. Is that normal?

Fitzauto wrote: In reply to bruceman: When I look at the slave cylinder it clearly pushes the fork back. However when the pedal is depressed I can move the fork back by hand. Is that normal?

You shouldn't be able to actuate the fork by hand (either to move it much without the pedal or to recompress the slave if the pedal is held down). If you can move it without the slave's assistance, then it is likely not connected to the throw out bearing in the trans. If you can 'recompress' the slave by hand when the pedal is down, you need to bleed better.

I don't think you answered Dean's question though which is really the most important one. Does the clutch actually release when you push the pedal down? (Dont even need the engine to be running, just put it in gear and see if it rolls when you push the pedal down, and stops when you release the pedal.

If its working its working, if its not, then check for problems.

In reply to rcutclif:

Havent checked to see if the clutch works yet. Been so busy getting everything else on the car done. Guess that should be the first order of business. And the fork moves very easily without the slaves assistance. Which now has me worried that the trans will have to come out.

Luckily FB trans removal is super easy if you have to do it. I did the clutch on my '84 solo, without a transmission jack. Took me about six hours including bench pressing the trans back into place (it's under 100lbs).

This pic might help, see how the fork prongs go into the throw out bearing? You might be able to pull the rubber boot off your transmission and look inside there to see if the fork is properly seated without removing the trans.

In reply to rcutclif:

That pic does help thanks. I think the fork is seated correctly as it doesnt move up and down only forward and back. Is it possible the bearing is just worn out completely?

Maybe the fork has come off the pivot point?

In reply to Mazdax605:

What would that feel like? When I was removing the slave cylinder pin that was stuck I could freely move the fork forward and back as well as left to right. It took no effort at all. Im guessing this means its no longer attached within the trans?

Could be a broken fork. Sounds like it's time to drop the trans and see what's up.

Planning on dropping the trans now. Can that be done at home or is it better to take it to my uncles shop and let him deal with it?

Easy enough job in the driveway if you have enough cribbing blocks, or ramps, or 6 ton jack stands, or some combination thereof to safely get it up in air far enough you will comfortably fit under there on a creeper with a transmission on your chest.

In reply to Kenny_McCormic:

Looks like Ill take this one to the shop. Thats abit above what I can handle in my driveway right now.