Clutch engagement

[Speedman]

Can you tell me when your clutch starts its engagement. My '08 seems to engage very high in the pedal travel. My car only has 17k on it, so I don't think the clutch is worn out. I will pressure bleed the system with new fluid and adjust the pedal slop as much as possible this weekend.

[Speedman]

No clutch experts out there

[Steve M]

If you don't know the history of the car, then you have no basis for knowing whether or not the clutch is worn out.

Generally speaking, it should be fine with only 17k on the clock, but again, it depends on how it was used. If it was used for drag racing on sticky tires, it might very well be worn out...that's what made me replace mine a few years ago with only around 16k miles. If it wasn't, then I wouldn't worry about it. When mine started to slip, it was the smell that gave it away.

Pressure bleeding the system is fine, but reaching the bleeder screw is tight. That's why I currently run a remote bleeder, but you have to pull the transmission to install one. Lots of different ways to skin the clutch bleeding cat, so do what works best for you.

The is no adjustment for the clutch. If you are worried about the slop at the very top of the pedal travel, that is perfectly normal - from what I can tell, they all do that. It has nothing to do with the clutch itself - it is the same with my current aftermarket clutch too. You should double check the "bird cage" clip that holds the connection between the pedal and master cylinder in place under the dash...if that's broken, it can definitely cause more slop that normal.

It's been a while since I've driven a stock clutch, but I do remember the engagement being a little on the high side. If there's really an issue, bleeding the system should help.

[usmcfieldmp]

I don't know how a normal/typical/stock Viper should feel, but generally, a higher engagement point is right/better.

With it's engaging near the top, that should tell you that the fluid is good and that there is no air in the line. As soon as you push the pedal, the TOB/slave is pushing the pressure plate.

All three of my cars engage pretty close to the top. I know my GTI and Cobalt are fully bled when they start to engage at the top... if they're engaging in the middle/bottom, I know that I need to bleed the system some more.

[SA Heat]

I don't know how a normal/typical/stock Viper should feel, but generally, a higher engagement point is right/better.

With it's engaging near the top, that should tell you that the fluid is good and that there is no air in the line. As soon as you push the pedal, the TOB/slave is pushing the pressure plate.

All three of my cars engage pretty close to the top. I know my GTI and Cobalt are fully bled when they start to engage at the top... if they're engaging in the middle/bottom, I know that I need to bleed the system some more.

No comment on the clutch, but love your Viper's stablemates (signature). I get it.

[usmcfieldmp]

Thanks. I've owned them both for a while. 15 years last month for the Cobalt, and 11 years this month for the GTI.

They're both where I learned a lot about turning wrenches, diagnosing/fixing issues, good/bad modifications, and everything in between. They both still hold a couple scars from my earliest forehead-slapper moments, but also gave me some of my proudest "can't believe I did that" moments (engine builds, rushed track builds, etc).

[pokeyl]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ram-78300?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIirmnscTF8AIV1u2zCh2_qgyOEAQYASAB EgKVvfD_BwE

Add this, you can adjust it down.

[LATAMUD]

I like what pokeyl posted, I had no idea that thing existed. It's like a fuel pressure regulator for a clutch.

Another idea.
47818

[Old School]

An old school fix from the 60s and 70s is a pedal stop to limit the travel. Makes for faster shifting.

[mackzilla]

I just bled my clutch and brakes today. The car was engaging about a 1/4 from the bottom after a launch and some hard driving. It's now back at the top. The higher the better

[City]

but generally, a higher engagement point is right/better.

With it's engaging near the top, that should tell you that the fluid is good and that there is no air in the line.


I just bled my clutch and brakes today. The car was engaging about a 1/4 from the bottom after a launch and some hard driving. It's now back at the top. The higher the better

Yep! My 2008 has had the same clutch high engagement position since new. And mine is still the original after 3 times your car's mileage. No worries.

[1Willy1]

Just bought an 05 and yes mind also engages very high

35 000 miles on the clock