Think my clutch cable is bad...how to replace?

8

87lc2

Member
Oct 16, 2005
214
0
17
#1
When the car is warm, it is next to impossible to get the car in any gear, so im thinking the clutch cable needs to be replaced. I have never replaced one before, is there a write-up somewhere on it? also, will a stock replacement from autozone be fine, or do i need an OEM Ford cable?
 

  • Sponsors (?)


#3
This article might be helpful.

Another vote for a stock style cable. Diversified has them for 50 bucks or so.

If the point of engagement is higher up on the pedal when hot, I wouldnt necessarily look for the cable to be the fix.
Good luck.
 
#6
87lc2 said:
no, i have to push the pedal to the floor to get it into gear, and sometime that doesnt even work. i literally have to stand on it!
Click to expand...
Gotcha. Your troubleshooting makes sense. If you cant dial out any more slack, then a cable is something to address.

Good luck.
 
#7
vikingpower said:
I went thru 2 BBK crap cables before I called Maximum Motorsports and got one on their OEM units. They're the ****zznit
Click to expand...
ditto, the MM cable is the only way to go. much much better quality than all the others. lighter pedal feel too

-one reason people break cables in just a few minutes, is because of the sharp edges on the billet quadrants. always a good idea to file those down
 
#12
TENGRAM said:
the ford oem one that is sold everywhere, is crap. do yourself a favor, get the Maximum Motorsports one. this page explains why. http://www.maximummotorsports.com/cq.asp#cables
Click to expand...

From that very page...

The photo below compares the construction of an aftermarket clutch cable (upper cable) and an OEM Ford cable (lower cable). Note that Ford utilizes a multi layer construction which helps prevent heat from affecting the sliding action of the inner cable or causing a compression failure of the outer housing, while still allowing the cable to be sufficiently flexible. While we have looked at the construction of many aftermarket cables, none have had a construction that can compare to the quality of the OEM Ford cables.
Click to expand...

That cable IS the OEM cable MM suggests!

Also..look here..

http://www.50stangs.com/techarticles/clutchcableadjustment.html

The bottom line is unfortunately the OEM cable is still the strongest built clutch cable on the market available for mustangs. This cable is now made in Taiwan, but it still boasts the same quality (surprisingly). Aftermarket cables such as the stock replacements that can be purchased at Auto Zone, and ALL adjustable type cables are simply not made to the same standards as the OEM non adjustable cables. Multiple problems could arise such as stretching (common) and binding. There is quite a bit of information about this on the internet. While an adjustable cable can ultimately provide more adjustability, my personal recommendation is to stay away from them and use the OEM non adjustable cable with a firewall adjuster. However, just to be fair, I have talked to numerous people who have never had a problem with the adjustable cables and swear buy them. In my opinion, if you already have one, and don’t have any complaints, don’t go out and spend money on an OEM cable unless you really need it. If your buying an aftermarket adjustable setup for the first time, and you don’t have any cable issues, I would recommend keeping the stock cable already in your car. Maximum Motorsports talks about this very subject and why the adjustable cables are not as desirable.
If you need to purchase another OEM style cable, then purchase an original Ford cable, new or used. These are still made and available from Ford (at a significant cost) or many aftermarket companies offer this cable for around $30-$50. Some of these companies are Maximum Motorsports, Diversified, and Fortes.
Click to expand...
 
#13
87lc2 said:
Insane3D, under the applications, it says only fits 84-85 stangs? is there a different one for later models?
Click to expand...


It is because it is the clutch fork and cable that was OEM from the factory in 87 and up models. The kit is meant to convert a pre - '87 car, which is why it is lists the older models...
 
#14
I looked under the hood today, and where the cable comes out of the firewall is loose and moving around. Also, where it mounts to the frame, the bracket is snapped off. Would this make a difference seeing as it changes the overall routing of the cable?
 
#16
MustangGT92 said:
i would personnally get an ajustable clutch cable....that way you don't have to press the clutch while you put it on....and you can ajust how tight you want the clutch to be...
Click to expand...

you can get the same effect from a firewall adjuster. ive never had to push the pedal in the get the cable to go on.
 
#17
87lc2 said:
I looked under the hood today, and where the cable comes out of the firewall is loose and moving around. Also, where it mounts to the frame, the bracket is snapped off. Would this make a difference seeing as it changes the overall routing of the cable?
Click to expand...


Not really...I'm not using one now and it working fine. It's mainly there to keep the cable off the headers...
 
#18
dragnazz5.0 said:
you can get the same effect from a firewall adjuster. ive never had to push the pedal in the get the cable to go on.
Click to expand...


Agreed. I just put in a fiore and while it was a bit pricey, it's awesome. I really like the fact it has an internal collar that spins free so when you adjust the cable, you aren't twisting it and introducing tension...
 
#19
Insane3D said:
From that very page...

That cable IS the OEM cable MM suggests!

Also..look here..

http://www.50stangs.com/techarticles/clutchcableadjustment.html
Click to expand...
yeah, i suppose i was thinking of the adjustable ones or something. FWIW they do seem to think the universal ones are better
"This universal cable will provide more header clearance, and therefore even better heat protection, than any other cable we have found, including the 5.0 liter engine OEM Ford cables!!"

been a while since i was on 50stangs, very informative tech article. thanks for catching my mistake.:doh:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

keel
Drivetrain Is my clutch cable stretching?
Replies
3
Views
960
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
keel
keel
R82148V
Drivetrain Clutch Cable / Quad and FWA combo?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
R82148V
R82148V
G
5 speed shifter will not engage
Replies
27
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Gandalf79
G
C
AOD wont go into park
Replies
3
Views
419
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
slow84lx
S
V
Drivetrain Clutch Cable too Short?!
Replies
9
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
vpap1
V
Top Bottom
Back
New
Hot
Menu