Really heavy clutch pedal

We have a new member Brian Meyers (2) and he needs our help because he's got a really heavy clutch pedal.

Brian, what year and model do you have and is it a standard set up?

It might only be the cable needs adjusting or maybe just a new cable!  

Your Moderator Team.

Hi Brian

I've just had the exact same problem, fixed it with a new clutch cable (old one was frayed at clutch end), new rubber washer/guide (at the clutch end, old one was perished) and then at the point the cable goes through the bulkhead to the peddle the bulkhead had split, must be a common problem as I found several places that sold a repair self adhesive aluminium patch to repair the bulkhead. Adjusted the new cable up and it now works as it should. 

This may be a irrelevant for you as i don't know what set up you're running but mine is a standard 1.8 cabriolet clipper. 

Chiz is right - they pull through on the bulk head because they werent originally design for LHD and don't have the strength there - the patch will sort it for a good old while. Cables usually the first sign, always check its routes correctly - should comes around the block (past the cam pulley) clip to the top of the rocker cover and then head towards the clutch and it's a steep drop down.

Can also be a sign of the clutch wearing as they do get heavier as they wear - cable first and if it makes no difference it's clutch time - but it's not a big job

Welcome along!

If you don't have a repair plate on the bulk head fit one even if it does not show any sign of cracks, the plate will strengthen the bulk head and there will be less flex.

looks like this and is held on by a sticky pad on the back, just give the bulk head a good clean before fitting.
other places sell them and I think GSF still sell them?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK-1-GTI-BULKHEAD-REPAIR-PLATE-SCIROCCO-/282105238645?hash=item41aec85475:m:mDc5R0ft1sV4OxxE5dQXBTg

You could also try and remove the clutch cable and pour some 3 in 1 oil down the cable, hold it up by one end and pour it in between the cable and plastic cover, keep putting oil in till it comes out of the end then leave it hanging while the rest works it way down.
Refit cable and check the cable is not catching on the bulkhead or gearbox housing and if no better it may be your clutch is on its last legs.

Make sure the cable is straight into the gearbox arm like this


They are heavy clutches, don't compare the mk1 golf with cars with hydraulic clutches as they will be lighter.
Having a heavy clutch does stop you riding the clutch pedal at traffic lights etc. :-)
 

mark1gls said

If you don't have a repair plate on the bulk head fit one even if it does not show any sign of cracks, the plate will strengthen the bulk head and there will be less flex.

looks like this and is held on by a sticky pad on the back, just give the bulk head a good clean before fitting.
other places sell them and I think GSF still sell them?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK-1-GTI-BULKHEAD-REPAIR-PLATE-SCIROCCO-/282105238645?hash=item41aec85475:m:mDc5R0ft1sV4OxxE5dQXBTg

You could also try and remove the clutch cable and pour some 3 in 1 oil down the cable, hold it up by one end and pour it in between the cable and plastic cover, keep putting oil in till it comes out of the end then leave it hanging while the rest works it way down.
Refit cable and check the cable is not catching on the bulkhead or gearbox housing and if no better it may be your clutch is on its last legs.

Make sure the cable is straight into the gearbox arm like this


They are heavy clutches, don't compare the mk1 golf with cars with hydraulic clutches as they will be lighter.
Having a heavy clutch does stop you riding the clutch pedal at traffic lights etc. :-)
 

I love the straight jacket to the master cylinder - is that your mod?

I have a plastic clip on the Golf to hold the cable in place but for some reason my Mk1 Scirocco never had a clip to hold it so a bit of thick wire wrapped around it has worked well for the last 15 years.  

Another cheapskate fix from me.  

mk2 golf has a steady arm on top of the box to do the same job, if you can find one!

as above cable first, as well as all the associated gubbins. if after that its still heavy, the clutch may need replacing. they should be heavy, but not HEAVY if that makes sense