During clutch adjustment on a Spicer double plate clutch with a non-synchronized transmission, the throw-out bearing should contact the clutch brake when the pedal is how far from the floor?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (D)

In this setup, the release mechanism includes a clutch brake to dampen start-of-drive shock and help prevent gear clash in a non-synchronized transmission. The throw-out bearing should be just enough to contact that brake when the pedal is moved a set distance from the floor. Setting it to touch the brake at about four inches from the floor places the bearing near the end of the release stroke, after the pressure plate has effectively unloaded but before the brake takes full load. This gives smooth, complete clutch release during normal operation and provides the braking action to suppress gear grinding when selecting gears, especially with engine and shaft speeds not perfectly matched. If the contact happens too soon, you’ll drag the clutch and waste energy; if it happens too late, you risk incomplete release and potential grinding or hard shifts. So the recommended distance is approximately four inches from the floor.