How to Adjust a Clutch Pedal

Automobile owners with cars that have a standard transmission with a clutch pedal often make
the choice of a standard transmission because they like the power a stick shift provides. A car
owner is generally accustomed to the way the clutch pedal operates. If that operation changes,
like if you buy a new car on which the pedal disengages earlier or later than your old car, you
might want to adjust to the way it was on your old car. Rather than pay a professional to make
this adjustment, you can follow the steps below to do it yourself.

Step 1 – The Self-Adjusting Clutch

This is one of the two types of clutch adjustments—and the easier of the two. With your car
engine running and your parking brake engaged, slip one foot beneath the clutch pedal and lift it
upward toward you. Then, test it by depressing the pedal and putting your car in gear. Make note
of the distance your clutch has to move downward before you can change gears.

To give it a fair test, try putting it into low forward gear, then second forward, and finally third
forward. Make note of how much you need to depress the clutch pedal before it disengages the
clutch and allows you to put the car into gear without grinding any of the gears. Be sure the
clutch pedal doesn't come up too high before it disengages the clutch. If this test fails to give you
the adjustment you want, try adjustment type two (below).

Step 2 – The Manual Adjustment

With your engine turned off and your hand brake engaged, get into a position in the front seat
where you will be able to see behind the car's dashboard on the driver's side. If necessary, get
into position outside the car with the door open. Lower yourself so that your head is partially
under the dashboard.

With one hand, push the clutch pedal toward the floorboard and hold it there. Next, locate a large
hook-like object on the clutch assembly. It should be near the top of the clutch shaft.

Step 3 – Pull the Hook Upward

As you continue to put pressure on the clutch pedal, pull up on the hook-like object until you
hear it click once. Then, release your pressure on it.

Next, test the clutch. Climb back onto the seat and start the engine. Keeping one foot on the
brake pedal, push the clutch pedal downward toward the floor with your foot and adjust your
gearshift lever to put your car in gear as you did in the first test.