Clutch Pedal Bushing Issue
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: New Engand
Clutch Pedal Bushing Issue
Clutch Pedal Bushing Issue
Hi. I got some info on the clutch pedal bushings that seem to walk off the stud on the pedal assembly on mid-90s and other fords.
When the problem developed on my truck, I first changed the clutch pedal assembly bushings. Ford tough plastic. It worked for a few days and came back. I checked for firewall flex, but the clutch master cylinder was rock-steady. So I figured the bracked was weakened over time. Can't get the bracket anymore, so I had to order the whole pedal assemby. Only $113 at the dealership, which really isn't bad. What was bad was that it was the exact same design and construction of the original. That's very bad bacause Ford was aware that the issue was a significant safety issue--That stupid little plastic clip would pop off while motorists were wating at stoplights w/ the truck in gear, causing the thing to lurch forward and slam into the car in front of them not to mention any pedistrians crossing between cars). The bastards. Why anyone isn't in jail for this I don't know.
Anyway, the problem persisted, so I visited my machine shop. They said a heim/ball joint can be installed at all the pivot points, making the system "bullet proof" (his words). But he told me to first try a GM bushing. They pretty much have the same setup, but their retaining clip is two pieces, and it's supposedly more reliable. A hole must be drilled on the stud where the master cylinder rod attaches, and a key installed. I will be going to the local GM dealer to check it out. I will keep you posted.
Hi. I got some info on the clutch pedal bushings that seem to walk off the stud on the pedal assembly on mid-90s and other fords.
When the problem developed on my truck, I first changed the clutch pedal assembly bushings. Ford tough plastic. It worked for a few days and came back. I checked for firewall flex, but the clutch master cylinder was rock-steady. So I figured the bracked was weakened over time. Can't get the bracket anymore, so I had to order the whole pedal assemby. Only $113 at the dealership, which really isn't bad. What was bad was that it was the exact same design and construction of the original. That's very bad bacause Ford was aware that the issue was a significant safety issue--That stupid little plastic clip would pop off while motorists were wating at stoplights w/ the truck in gear, causing the thing to lurch forward and slam into the car in front of them not to mention any pedistrians crossing between cars). The bastards. Why anyone isn't in jail for this I don't know.
Anyway, the problem persisted, so I visited my machine shop. They said a heim/ball joint can be installed at all the pivot points, making the system "bullet proof" (his words). But he told me to first try a GM bushing. They pretty much have the same setup, but their retaining clip is two pieces, and it's supposedly more reliable. A hole must be drilled on the stud where the master cylinder rod attaches, and a key installed. I will be going to the local GM dealer to check it out. I will keep you posted.
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: New Engand
Well, I went to the GM dealership, and they didn't have any of the bushings in stock. The parts counter guy said he had no idea wha they looked like, as GMs rarely have these silly little problems (my guess, not his). So I cut to the chase and just brought the entire assembly to my friendly neighborhood machine shop. They made a brass bushing that fits through the inside of the rod for the master cylinder, then stepped much larger to act as a washer/spacer between the rod and a cotter pin drilled throgh the groove where the little plastic fingers of the original bushing go. It's an awsome setup, and hasn't budged after putting her through the paces! I will take photos once the wife has time to show me how to use that damn digital camera of hers again.