Questions and Answers

Nissan Sentra Clutch Cables Q. Hi Vincent, I have a 1991 Nissan Sentra, 1.6 liter, manual transmission, 181,000 miles. The problem I'm having is that the clutch pedal is extremely hard. The clutch cable broke twice and both times I had it replaced by a Nissan dealer. Both times after two months the clutch pedal got hard again. I recently took it in again and all the dealer keeps telling me is that the clutch cable needs adjustment every six months.

When you press the pedal you can also hear a noise. It comes from the clutch release bearing and the clutch lever, so I'm wondering if that could be the problem. If you loosen the cable more, the pedal isn't as hard which makes me think that there's nothing wrong with the pedal mechanism itself. I also had the clutch replaced about 10,000 miles ago so I have a new clutch, but this problem existed before i had the new clutch. I appreciate if you could help me.

Thanks,
Alin

A. The clutch is extremely simple in that car. You have a cable that goes from the pedal to the Throw-out Fork that moves the Throw-out Bearing. However, on the throw-out fork there is a spring-like clip that holds the throw-out fork to the pivot. If this clip is missing it is possible the throw-out fork is coming off and getting hung up inside the bell housing. It is not unusual for this clip to break or fall out.

Outside of that I can't think of anything that would make the pedal unusually hard and break cables.