Clutch effort

[Jweidner]

Just bought a 2003 S with 58K miles. Records don't show a clutch replacement ever being done. I love the car except for the heavy clutch (hard to push in). I have driven a 2007 non-S and the clutch was much easier to press. Is there a difference between these two cars or is the S model harder to press? Could the old clutch cause the difference? I don't sense any slippage. Please offer your opinion- my leg is tired.

[Boxtaboy]

Some people have actually removed the clutch helper spring from their clutch pedal so as to get a "better" feel of when the clutch grabs, and don't mind the extra effort to push the pedal down. See thread below. I guess it is possible that the previous owner removed theirs, or that it has worn down, and needs replacement (some people replace as well, and claim it helps). If this isn't it, it could just be that the clutch is getting worn, but I've noticed my clutch being heavy all the time. I've driven friends' Boxsters too, and it varies...some are heavy, some light. Not sure why there's a difference to be honest, but none of them felt so heavy that it becomes a nuisance.

https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/13367-clutch-booster-spring-removal/

[Steve Tinker]

A heavy clutch is a good indication that its on the way out - at least it was on mine......

[Jweidner]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Some people have actually removed the clutch helper spring from their clutch pedal so as to get a "better" feel of when the clutch grabs, and don't mind the extra effort to push the pedal down. See thread below. I guess it is possible that the previous owner removed theirs, or that it has worn down, and needs replacement (some people replace as well, and claim it helps). If this isn't it, it could just be that the clutch is getting worn, but I've noticed my clutch being heavy all the time. I've driven friends' Boxsters too, and it varies...some are heavy, some light. Not sure why there's a difference to be honest, but none of them felt so heavy that it becomes a nuisance.

https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/13367-clutch-booster-spring-removal/

Thanks. I will check if the spring has been removed or perhaps broken
Jim

[JayG]

Since it is a hydraulic clutch, you can't really tell when its worn until it starts slipping. The pedal pressure should be the same new or old

If the pedal feels hard to press, most likely its a broken clutch booster spring. A fairly common failure.

You can replace the spring with one from McMaster (?) or find a used one (Woody) or buy a new one for around $60

do a web search and you will find a couple of threads on it

[Ben006]

Or replace it with a 5$ home depot spring and get the best clutch feel you can from a 986!

The 987 has a different clutch, way easier to modulate and harder to push.

Actually a 987 clutch on a stock 986 system with stock helper spring is a very good combination.

To me, the stock clutch with stock helper spring combination sucks massively!

[JayG]

The HD springs I found were like not having one

[More]

Sounds like it's on the way out. Mine was heavy like that. I just put a new clutch in and it's soft as hell.

[BIGJake111]

I swear mine used to be heavy and now is fairly light? Maybe my leg got stronger lol.

[Boxtaboy]

The clutch is self adjusting as it wears thinner, so every once in a while, it gets lighter for a while. Mine does that too.

[particlewave]

Clutch wear has absolutely nothing to do with how it feels. As Jay said, it's hydraulic and you won't know it's going out until it's virtually gone. When you push in on the pedal, you send hydraulic fluid to the salve cylinder. The slave cylinder moves the throw out arm and bearing against the pressure plate fingers. The clutch disc (primary wear item) is in no way involved.

[Boxtaboy]

I could def feel my clutch pedal lighter on some days and heavier on others. What the heck is going on?...someone changing out my helper spring between a new and old one when I'm not lookin?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

I could def feel my clutch pedal lighter on some days and heavier on others. What the heck is going on?...someone changing out my helper spring between a new and old one when I'm not lookin?

Bad slave cylinder or old, gummed up spline grease binding up the throw out bearing, possibly loosening when warmer?
Time for a hydraulic flush?

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Bad slave cylinder or old, gummed up spline grease binding up the throw out bearing, possibly loosening when warmer?
Time for a hydraulic flush?

I haven't flushed the clutch fluid in a while. Perhaps that's it.

[Jweidner]

Thanks for the advice. Turns out the spring was broken.