Pontiac 1958 Safari Owner's Manual page 21

CLUTCH
PROLONGING CLUTCH LIFE-The clutch in your Pontiac will
not require much attention due to the use of clutch throwout ball
bearing which is lubricated for life at the factory. However, normal
wear in the clutch facings will result in a gradual change in the
"pedal
l~h".
, 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 disengaged. Excessive 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 engaging the clutch instead
of using the brake.
,, ~
PEDAL
LASH
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 disengage' , The pressure of one finger
should be enough to push the pedal in about one-
half inch before the resistance of the clutch springs
is felt. If there is little or no "pedal lash",
the clutch
may be slipping which will cause it to wear out faster. If there is too
much " pedal lash", the clutch may not disengage completely and cause
gear shifting trouble, When "pedal lash" is less than
Yz
inch or more
than
%
inch, an adjustment should be made by your Pontiac dealer.
TOWING-Before towing a car equipped with E ver-Level air ride
raise the car body
to
maximum height by starting engine and pulling
out the "CAR LIFT" knob located on the lower edge of the instru-
ment panel. It
is suggested that hard wood blocks be used to maintain
maximum car height during towing, The car is returned to normal
height by removing blocks and pushing the " CAR LIFT" knob in,
[ 18]