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Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:50 am

Guys, I have a 70 baja bug. It has a nasty clutch chatter at times. I checked it out, and found the bowden tube straight. I believe the clutch cable tube has broken in the tunne. How do I re-attach the tube? I can weld it, if I could find the stupid thing! Do I need to cut a hole in the tunnel somewhere? if so, where EXACTLY? Any and all help appreciated, hope to get this resolved over the weekend.

Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:09 am

You probably need to remove cover plate that is over transmission shift rod coupler.... And look back in corner of drivers side (near torsion tube) and you will see clutch tube (large) and throttle tube (small). Generally it is welded to a tab on the tunnel at that point.... And this is usually where it breaks loose.... You should remove cable from tube ( so if you burn through tube you don't weld cable inside it) and slide tube back into proper place and weld or braze it there..... Tube in clamped in several position in tunnel so it is stubborn to move most times.

Difficult part may be getting tube to slide back into place, you may be able to remove pedal assembly and use force on tube from that access point, if not, maybe from inspection plate up front and use long rod to force tube back.... Be careful and do not bend or distort tube mouth as it will cause excessive wear on cable...

This link may help you understand how it works... Unfortunately it does not show actual connection of tube to tunnel and rear of tunnel...

http://vwdcqinc.org.au/vwdcqimages/insideabugimages/insidetunnel.html

Dale

Fri Oct 16, 2009 9:21 am

Thanks! huge help.......at one point you mention "cover up front".......where is that? Do I need to pull the shifter out? Should I pull the cover over the nosecone of the trans? Not trying to sound like an idiot, but the more info the better. I really appreciate your help.

Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:11 am

The cover up front is located between the tubes of the front end. 2 bolts hold it on. You can remove it and look down the tunnel.

Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:18 am

And yes its is cover over nose cone of transmission (shift coupler) where you access where they are welded (or broken in your case) ....

Dale

Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:09 am

So I checked it all out, and found the clutch tube attached, unbroken welds. Upon close examination, I did find the engine/trans mounts a little worn. They are the rubber ones and I could move them a bit with a pry bar. What I did is moved the trans mid-brace to provide a better hold and tightened everything down real well, so basically the engine/trans dont move a whole lot. Hopefully it holds for the weekend, when I get back from the trip I plan on going with solid mounts.....its an off road only car.

Wed Oct 28, 2009 12:05 pm

Once you have replaces mounts ans knowing clutch tibe is solid, if you don't have enough bow in Bowden tube you can use a few washers to space tube and create proper mow....

Dale