Clutch Cables, Variations on a theme

[lez]

I'm having clutch cable problems and I wonder if anyone on here has removed/replaced one?


Mine was fine till I just put the new clutch in, but when it was off it adjusted itself so I had no cable 'free play' and could not get it back onto the gearbox.

Lots of cursing and pushing/pulling etc caused it to come off at the pedal end but I was victorious, the adjuster wanted to remove freeplay, I wanted lots of cable to play with and aid fitting, I won............

Problem now is I have lots of free play, so much that I cant get the gears!

The auto adjuster in the middle of the cable is dead/sulking.

I have 'fixed' the problem by taking up most of the play with a 'spacer' made from cutting a slot in a 10mm socket and slipping it onto the cable end, and another few mm with washers made from coins......

Not an ideal solution but the best I can come up with today, ideally I'd like the auto adjuster to work again,but I cant get any acces to it as its behind the engine where my big fat hands wont reach.

Haynes and russek manuals dont agree, haynes seem to be describing a xantia cable, russeks looks right but as I cant get to it........

[Peter.N.]

Hi Lez

I am afraid to say I've been there, I replaced the cable on the first XM I had, 10 years or more ago. I made a simple tool from a wire coat hanger that you can slide along the back of the engine and hook onto the outer part of the cable beyond the spring, compress it and release the 'ratchet' You stilll really need three hands but it does make it much easier. Sounds as though its too late for your cable though!

Peter.N.