23 replies to this topic

[jime17]

Quite right cooperman, I agree, but as a principle cable operated clutch has been tested extensively too. I just wondered whether anyone has experience of using one on a mini.

for all I know there is a very good reason why it's not a good idea, but I'd like to understand why.

Ps I'm by no means taking umbridge. Just curious.

[tiger99]

It is notable that almost all modern cars now use hydraulic clutches, as they often did in the 1960s and 70s. The mainstream manufacturers mostly changed to cable in the 1980s or thereabouts as a cost-saving measure, but it in fact caused far more problems than it was worth, so they have gone back to what works properly, which is hydraulic. Indeed, there are hydraulic conversions for some cars from the cable era, and dircet acting hydraulic conversions (slave cylinder is hollow and surrounds gearbox input shaft) for those which used an external slave cylinder and a lever, because it is more reliable and gives the driver much better feel.

So why go for a technology which was never used on the Mini, and which every manufacturer has rejected, because of the problems it causes?

[Ethel]

Hydraulics are naturally self adjusting & are easier to bend round compound tight corners. I reckon the main argument against is cost - how many cars still have cable brakes?

[jonny f]

let me know if you hear anything that isn't announced online please mate

I'm not interested in it anymore Nick so i won't be hearing from him.

[jime17]

Thanks for the explanations guys. it's another hare brained idea I can cross off my to do list.


I wondered why - and know I know.

[tiger99]

Never mind. It is far better to have thought about doing something, and asked, than to have not bothered at all. There are plenty of other ideas to come up with, and some of them will turn out to be useful.

[jime17]

Thanks tiger.

[Guess-Works.com]

A mechanical clutch operation as that linked to previously would also need a solid mounted engine, which would not be very pleasant in a road car...

[The Matt]

Just to throw another consideration into the pot. It's far easier to repair a cable operated clutch than it is a hyrdaulic ones. AA vans carry universal spares for clutch cables and can make assemblies up in the back of their vans.

Still agree though, hydraulic is a better system in general terms. It may be a little more difficult when installing something like an auto-manual conversion or engine conversion, but it's worth the effort. I've converted my cable-clutch gearbox in my mini to hydraulic using a Wilwood pull-type slave cylinder. I've also managed to fine tune pedal ratio and master cylinder bore to achieve a lovely feeling clutch pedal.