What happens when I run out of clutch cable adjustment?

[mosu]

Please tell me it's not game over for this clutch...free play at the pedal is practically non-existent, and the adjustment nuts are all the way at the end of the cable on the tranny end. The pedal has a scraping feeling to it when I push it...

[RDSPYDR]

Sounds like clutch time to me..... , but I have been wrong before.

[mosu]

Hmmm...dammit

Other people agree?

[pope]

One thing to check first is where the cable comes through the firewall. Make sure that the firewall is intact and not being bent. Not a common problem, but one that does happen from time to time.
Also check that the cluth pedal forks that hold the end of the cable are not bending. That is a very common problem, and removing the clutch pedal and having it rewelded or getting another one is the answer.

[So Cal Mark]

yes, first fix the firewall and clutch pedal and possibly replace the cable if it's frayed or binding

[mosu]

Sorry guys, I'm a little confused. So you're saying that if the pedal runs out of play adjustment at the transmission end of the cable, it may not necessarily indicate a finished disc? If the firewall exit point/pedal are damaged they can affect the free play that much?

[pope]

We're not talking for our health here.

[mosu]

Ok, I looked and the firewall portion seems to be ok, or at least not deformed/cracked. The cable is rubbing hard against the rubber grommet that is sitting in the firewall though. I will try to lube it as a temporary measure.
The pedal I guess is ok, inasmuch as it pulls straight on the cable (doesn't seem to pull it side to side). Can't say much more than that because it's very hard to see.

[pope]

When you look at the clutch pedal, get a flashlight and look at the top where the two fingers grab the cable end and look closely. Look for cracks on the sides, make sure they are not bent up or forward toward the firewall. Like Mark said, look at the cable also. Undue the nut on the trans side and pull the cable back through the sheathe from the inside. Inspect it. Lets rule these things out first before we go to the trans.

How long have you owned the Spider. Can you take a picture of the side of the trans where the cable goes through the housing?

[mosu]

I had a closer look at the pedal and it doesn't seem to be bent. Looking at the cable in the engine bay, I noticed that its sheath was broken in several places, exposing the metal portion.

Weirdly enough, it's very smooth with the engine cold, and it begins to get progressively grittier as I drive.