Cable vs hydraulic clutches

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:39 am

On the 914 the clutch cable can sometimes be a point of frustration. Actuation forces tend to cause problems (eventually) with where the cable passes through the firewall and through the center tunnel into the pedal area. I sometimes wonder how hard it would be to convert to a hydraulic system.

It does however make it a bit easier to drop a transmission.

Richard

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:40 pm

FYI: Internal slave cylinders are common in formula cars and probably other dedicated race cars since there are so few parts and they are very light weight. Since real race cars are taken apart a lot long life isn't a concern. Plus most racing transmissions are shifted without the clutch. Mine isn't "the best" since the concentric cylinder is machined in the combination bellhousing/oil tank/rear suspension module and the seals are o-rings. Better/newer designs have replaceable cylinder sleeves or use something like a Saab slave cylinder. Packaging of cables is a challenge in a formula car. Earlier formula cars used hydraulic external slave cylinders with lots of parts.

Dick
CM 85

Charlie Guthrie · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2003 8:14 pm **Posts:** 832

James wrote:

Quote:

Anyway I still think cable clutches are winning

.

In that case please come on over and help replace the second clutch cable on the SE-R....I have grown to hate that thing. Getting it through the firewall and attaching the linkage to the top of the clutch pedal is a PITA.
Charlie G

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 7:07 am

Don't like cables or hydraulics? Try rods (pull and push). Been there, done that, don't miss it. Did learn how to get a car moving by starting the engine with the car in gear and then shifting w/o a clutch when a rod bent/broke in a 1 or 2 year old 69 Mustang. A big V8 helps. :lol:

George Bright · **Posted:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 7:35 am

Speaking of rod linkages Bob Kendrick had to fab the rod linkage on his Buick Park Ave. Buick never put a manual transmission in that body.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 10:22 am

The sentra had a cable clutch.. once the cable snapped on me, at vir patriot leaving me stuck in 3rd. but overall a decent design. the subaru, is hydraulic.. and is a little more difficult to change, but i believe it is not near the exhaust.. It goes off of brake fluid.. Does not seem to be any worse, sometimes the sentra did need lubing of the joints to keep it working. The cable we have in her now is bad, and it sticks sometimes. Dumping the clutch when you dont want to, either one is fine. Big rigs are are air powered, and are heavy as all get out.

George Bright · **Posted:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 5:24 pm

Pete Guthrie wrote:

Big rigs are are air powered, and are heavy as all get out.

On the big rigs I drove the only thing air powered was the range selector part of the gear box. They were all 9 or 10 speeds. Besides you only used the clutch to get it moving unless you liked wearing out your left leg.

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Cable vs hydraulic clutches

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