Topic: Clutch petal drops to the floor

[dadickster]

When I hit a bump the clutch petal on my 94 YJ goes to the floor. I then have to put the clutch rod in to (what ever the hell it goes in to) in the fire wall and it is good to go until I hit another bump. Can someone please tell me what is going on.
Thanks

[GreenBayjeeper]

The clutch fork broke?   Maybe?

[Jeffy]

So what I'm gathering is that when you release the clutch the pedal overextends and the cylinder push rod falls out?  The push rod sits inside of the hydraulic master cylinder that's located on the other side of the firewall.

How far up does your clutch pedal swing compared to the brake?  I think the clutch pedal brace should prevent the pedal from swinging too far up when the spring pulls it back.  I'd check that bracket to see if it's still there or if it's damaged.  Seems strange that it would get damaged though.  Sounds like it might be missing.

[dadickster]

Thanks for answering so fast! The rod doesn't come out when I release the cluth, but sometimes when I hit a bump. The first time it came out I found a plastic retainer on the floor board that I put back on the rod, but I don't understand how the plastic retainer works , because I can take the rod in and out of the master cylinder at will, with the plastic retainer attached.

[neale_rs]

Oh yes, the plastic retainer problem, most common on TJs.  I have read of others who end up getting a new one at the dealership.

[Jeffy]

Thanks for answering so fast! The rod doesn't come out when I release the cluth, but sometimes when I hit a bump. The first time it came out I found a plastic retainer on the floor board that I put back on the rod, but I don't understand how the plastic retainer works , because I can take the rod in and out of the master cylinder at will, with the plastic retainer attached.

I believe the clutch pedal brace stops the clutch pedal from swings too far forward.  When the retainer fall off it allows the bracket to move and then the pedal over extends and the shaft pulls out.

[GreenBayjeeper]

For what it's worth, when I said "clutch fork" I was thinking of the "pedal shaft".  I had an old Trans Am that had that break, and the clutch pedal stayed down.  A most disconcerting experience I must say.

Let us know what it turns out to be!