Maverick and Comet Repair
Clutch and Transmission
FREE-PLAY ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION: If the clutch cannot be adjusted without raising the
car, install jack stands beneath the lower control arms to keep the
car from falling. Whenever new clutch parts are installed, or when
the clutch does not disengage as it should, the free-play of the
clutch pedal should be adjusted.
With the clutch return spring disconnected from the release lever, loosen the locknut and adjusting nut on the release lever rod and move the release lever to the rear until the release bearing just contacts the clutch pressure plate release fingers. Adjust the length of the rod until the rod seats in the pocket of the release lever. With a . 136 in. feeler gauge inserted between the adjusting nut and swivel sleeve, tighten the adjusting nut against the gauge. Tighten the lock-nut against the adjusting nut, being careful not to move the adjusting nut. The locknut should be tightened to a torque of 15-20 ft. lbs. Remove the feeler gauge and install the clutch return spring. Check the free travel at the clutch pedal—this should be 1.0 in. Readjust the free-play if necessary. Free-play is increased by moving the adjusting nut away from the swivel sleeve, and decreased by moving the adjusting nut toward the sleeve. As a final check, measure the free-play at the pedal with the transmission in Neutral and the engine running at about 3,000 rpm. The pedal free-play at this speed should be at least 1/2 in. If it is less than 1/2 in., the free-play will have to be readjusted. If the clutch has too little free-play, the clutch may be held in the partially disengaged position, leading to premature failure of the clutch and bearing.
