TR2/3/3A TR3 Slave Cylinder Return Spring

[PSUTR3B]

I'm replacing a broken return spring. I hooked it to the bracket and tried to stretch it to the anchor plate with no success. It seems too far to stretch. I don't recall any problem when I replaced the slave cylinder about 3 years ago. The distance from the end of the fork (closest to front of car) that the anchor plate attches to and the rubber boot is 2 3/8". Is that about right? Depressing the clutch moves the cylinder out and it returns to that point without a return spring when the clutch is let out. I cannot force it by hand any further. Do I need to remove the slave cylinder because it will not fully return? Thanks for any suggestions.

Gary

 

[Don Elliott]

Maybe the piston is not returning into the body far enough. Force the rod all the way in with a screwdriver to force it back. Then check how much loose play or slop you have in the clutch lever arm. The spring is needed to make sure that the lever arm pulls back far enough so that the throw-out bearing doesn't drag on the clutch fingers. If there is no play or slop in the slave cylinder rod, you will wear out the throw-out bearing and the clutch. I seem to remember that the spring should pull back the rod so that you have almost 1/8" of free play to make sure nothing is dragging. You can buy several different springs for length and strength at any NAPA type auto parts store. You may need to try several springs before you find the perfect one.

 

[CCURTISS]

Gary,
I just replaced my spring while doing some other work. I ordered mine from Moss and it was a perfect fit. When installed my spring end to end stretches to about 4 1/8 inches and the book calls for .079" of free play.

How long is your spring? My stock spring is about 3 5/8 inches

Here are some pictures installed and pictures of the spring measurement. I am not sure if I have the little swinging spring attachment in the correct location, it may go on the outside of the bracket so if anyone knows the correct position please let me know

I hope this helps!

 

[PSUTR3B]

Thanks for the suggestions. The rod seems to be quite a bit further enxtended from the cylinder than in your picture. I seem to remember that the spring (I also got it from Moss) really did not need to be stretched much at all when I installed it the first time and the picture seems to confirm it. I will try to push the piston farther back with a scredriver and see how that works.

Gary