Broken clutch arm
 

My clutch quit working on my 31 pickup while driving recently (stays in gear even with clutch depressed) and I managed to limp back home. I found that I have a broken clutch arm with a crack along the shaft. I pulled the transmission and rebuilt it last April, and I wonder if I damaged that arm in the process?? Anyway, I'm hoping that I don't have to pull the transmission again to replace this arm? Is this an easy fix?

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

A photo would help.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

clutch arms can break at anytime for a number of reasons. you do not have to pull the trans to replace the arm.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

The arm is held on by a pin. Should be easy to drive the pin out and take off the arm. I bet the arm cracked at the hole where the pin goes through. Not much metal there. Mine cracked at that spot. Model A suppliers sell a replacement arm, but it doesn't look like an original and it's kind of crude. Better off with an original.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

I believe Snyder's offers three actually. The "crude" version, a new forged unit and the modern and imo Bullitt proof version.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Is this the bad dog that is giving you heartburn? Yes, after 90 years they like to break. As others have noted, easy fix. All of the vendors carry the parts you need. I don't think I would go with an original in this case as I have seen many originals crack. See picture of mine below.

The "crude" version is a little longer so the clutch is easier to push if you have leg issues.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...266cdc6b8b.jpg

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Trying to post a pic without much success. I’ll try again later from my computer

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Common problem. Just replace it and drive on. Many other things will probably break before you have to replace it again.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

A broken clutch release arm is common. They break at the pin hole, especially the ones that have been modified according to the Ford service bulletin. The after market ones the suppliers sell is bullet proof and is also slightly longer for added leverage. I recommend them, I install them on bell housings I rebuild.

See the attached article.

Tom Endy

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

When you put on the beefed up arm, be sure you get full range and you can connect the linkage without interference. We had to grind a bit to get things to fit. Good luck. Should not be a hard job.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Here's a pic - had to drastically reduce the size to upload to the forum.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Not sure I would agree with you. The replacement type below is very nice and difficult for most to distinguish from an original.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Thanks everyone for the posts! This really was an easy fix! I bought the replacement from Snyder’s for ab $38 and it took 15 mins to replace and adjust the clutch. Back on the road again!

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Yep, easy.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Here is my story...... go to #4

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280529

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Yikes! Thanks for sharing. Fortunately, my old pin came out pretty easily. I punched it out from the bottom with a good punch and hammer. I could not get the replacement pins to go more than halfway in without excessive pounding with a hammer, so I quit trying and reused the old pin which still has a good, snug fit. And, I fortunately did not damage the bell housing or the throwout bearing inside.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Are we all talking the one inside the bleehousing, or the one outside the bellhousing?

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

Outside, the one that attaches the clutch arm to the shaft. He would not be able to knock the bellhousing one out that easy!

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

I thought I saw one several years ago that was "heavy duty" ? Looked far more robust.

Re: Broken clutch arm
 

You mean one of these? This is what I used when I rebuilt my transmission.
https://www.brattons.com/clutch-release-shaft-arm.html