TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:28 am

Has anybody removed the clutch lever from the clutch release shaft? I am looking to remove the clutch slave mounting bracket to have it powder coated but am having a heck of a time trying to get the clutch lever off. I have the circlip off but am thinking that the clutch lever is just siezed on there. Any thoughts?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:33 am

Mine just slid off after the clip was removed. Sounds like you'll need to get creative.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:11 am

I have had them just slide off, but the last one I removed required the use of a two-fingered puller and a lot of heat. The heat totally destroyed the plastic bushing and outer seal, so be prepared.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:03 am

I had to cut mine. It was seized on. Since I was rebuilding the clutch housing, I didn't mind that the cross shaft got toasted doing this.

I watched a mechanic "shock" one off with and air gun once.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:14 am

I don't think I will go to that extent. I am just looking to paint the bracket. I take it the pilot shaft does not come out without taking the lever off?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:17 am

Yeah the lever needs to come off to get the shaft out. Just mask the lever/tranny case and spray it.

Now is a good time to check the bushings and the fingers on the cross shaft. A couple months ago I broke one of the fingers off, the weld failed.

Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:52 pm

What a PITA! Ended up cutting the shaft. Looks like I will be getting a new cross shaft now.

Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:35 am

That's a drag.

Make sure you get the good quality cross shaft. Not the cheap one (kind of yellow in colour IIRC)

Neil.

Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:47 am

If you do get stuck with using the yellow colored shaft be certain to closely inspect the welds that hold the two release arms to the shaft. Consider getting another bead done on the other side of the joint. I had a new one fail at the weld a month after I put it in. *&%*!!!!

Mark

Vanagon Nut wrote: That's a drag.

Make sure you get the good quality cross shaft. Not the cheap one (kind of yellow in colour IIRC)

Neil.

Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:57 am

I am looking at the one from Bus Boys and also getting the complete bushing kit. Putting on another weld is no big deal. Thanks for the input.