Clutch; Prolonging Clutch Life; Clutch Pedal Adjustment; Brakes - Pontiac 1953 Owners Service Manual

CLUTCH
PROLONGING CLUTCH LIFE-The clutch in your Pontiac will
not require much attention due to the use of a clutch throwout ball
bearing which is lubricated for life at the factory. However, normal
n
wear in the clutch facings will result in a
gradual change in the pedal "play". Excessive
wear may be caused by "riding" the clutch,
the habit some drivers have of resting the left
foot on the clutch, thus keeping the releasing
parts in contact but not disengaging. Excessive
CLUTCH PEDAL "PLAY"
wear can also be caused by rough usage.
Letting the clutch up "with a bang" is not only hard on the clutch
itself but also on tires and the entire car.
Another practice which puts needless wear on the clutch is
"holding" your car on a hill by partially releasing the clutch
instead of using the brake.
CLUTCH PEDAL ADJUSTMENT - The
clutch pedal should be adjusted from time
to time so that it has some free travel
before the clutch actually begins to dis-
engage. The pressure of one ·finger should
be enough to push the pedal in about an
inch before the resistance of the clutch
springs is felt. If there is little or no "play"
or free travel, the clutch may be slipping
somewhat, which will cause
it
to wear out
faster.
If
there is too much "play", the clutch may not disengage
completely and cause gear shifting trouble. When free travel is less
than
!!4
inch or more than I
Ys
inch, an adjustment should be made.
BRAKES
WHEN TO ADJUST BRAKES-Engineers agree that the brakes
on your car need adjustment when the pedal
goes within one inch of the floorboard in
making an ordinary stop. You need this one
inch brake pedal reserve to make emergency
stops, since the heat generated in making a
fast stop expands the brake drums and allows
the pedal to go closer to the floor.
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