Clutch Pedal Not Returning

[Jimmy Fehr]

I just bought this CJ-3A and after about a month, when I push the clutch pedal in it stays down. I have to manually pull it back. Is this a weak clutch spring or something else I need to look at?

[athawk11]

Sounds like you may have lost your clutch arm return spring.

You can see it pretty clearly in this photo.  It attaches to a body mount on the outside of the frame...

[Jimmy Fehr]

I have the spring. it seems very stiff to push in and then the pedal won't come back. Could the brake / clutch shaft be binding or is this an adjustment?

[athawk11]

It's hard to do by yourself.� Have a friend push in the clutch while you're under the Willys.� The spring can bind on the side of the tub mounting and might need some re-positioning.�

The tube that the clutch rides on sometimes needs to be greased.� There is a grease fitting on the underside of the tube.

The angled support plate that goes from the master cylinder to the inside edge of the clutch tube can also cause a bind.� If bent, or rusty crusty, you might want to straighten it, or add a bit of grease here too.

Tim

[Jimmy Fehr]

Thanks Tim. I will give that a try.

[Jimmy Fehr]

Tim,

I looked at it last night and I tried greasing, but I think the nipples are no good. One thing for sure, when I push the clutch in, the brake pedal goes with it. probably best to tear it all down?

[athawk11]

Jimmy,
You may just need to disassemble, clean, and lubricate the cross tube.  The grease fitting is replaceable too. 

These parts do wear out.  If you have a lot of side to side movement at the peddles, the cross tube, and or, the heavy peddle arms are showing signs of wear.  Even the bracket that holds the tube to the frame can be worn and cause the sloppy peddles.  It is welded, so it does take a little bit of effort to replace.

Tim