Clutch Pedal Access Series 1 Xm's

[Xmauritius]

Had to do some modifications to my clutch cable and when i put everything back together i found that the cable had come off the pedal.

I can't see how its suppose to be done, you can't get your head, arm and hold a light at the same time under the dashboard. After feeling dizzy with a aching back and sore hand i gave up.

I found a much simpler way was to remove the instrument panel (a five minute job when you've done it a few times).
Behind you'll see a black plastic panel and a hole where the speedo cable comes through.
What i did was to drill using a large drill bit lots of holes close together around the speedo hole and to the left about 10cm or the width of your hand.
Be careful not to drill too deep only enough to go through the plastic, its thin and soft to drill through.
Then using a pair of cutters just clip away the remaining bits of plastic between the holes and pull away the rectangular cut out.

Here you can see and gain easy access to the top of the clutch pedal, when i was finished i then cut a piece of sponge slightly larger than the hole and pushed it in to block the hole up. This will prevent any dust from getting inside.

The whole job took less than an hour and is allot more comfortable.

Rouben.

[noz]

Hi Rouben,

Excelent tip. Although I've never had the problem myself (2.5's have hydraulic clutch) I have heard many people bemoaning this particular job. You didn't happen to take a photgraph of the hole did you?

cheers

noz

[Peter.N.]

When I did mine, I had to take the seat out and lay on the floor!...Good tip. Is the Mk2 the same?

Peter.N.

[Xmauritius]

No Sorry i didn't manage to take a picture, it was a bit of a messy job as well because of all the bits of plastic swarf. With static it sticks everywhere.
It would be handy to have the vacuum cleaner close by.

Rouben.