The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Clutch & Brake Pedals and Pedal Shaft

First, I know this isn't really a driveline issue, but I got virtually no response over in the lounge (maybe cause it has nothing to do with politics? ) so I thought I'd try over here amongst the mechanics.

This is on a 53 Chevy 3/4T. I'm getting ready to reinstall the brake and clutch pedals on the pedal shaft. Currently, they both still have the old bushings which don't appear to be worn, though I am going to replace the bushings while they are off. Right now I'm test fitting everything on the bench after cleaning. The pedals slide easily part of the way onto the shaft and then stop. Should they slide all the way to their final position? How tightly should they fit on the shaft normally? Should they slide on or will they need to be pressed on? It seems to me that they should slide on since they need to rotate on the shaft easily when the pedals are depressed, but then I've been wrong on many things in the past.

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

They should slide on, no need to press them that will probably damage the new bushings. If they don't slide on the bushings may need to be reamed/honed to the right size similar to what is done for spring bushings or king pins. Don't forget install a new grease fitting and lubricate them as well. Hope that helps.

Steve

Mine were a little on the loose side too with the old bushings---not real bad. I bought new bushings from Jim Carter but they did not have the hole in it for the grease zirc and were not the proper length. I talked to a guy that restores these old trucks for a living and he said that he had not had much luck rebushing the pedals. I decided to leave mine as they were and once I cleaned them up, reassembled, and greased them there was actually very little play. The pedals should not be tight on the shaft and certainly not a press fit.

Thanks guys. I hadn't even considered that the shaft might be a little catty-wampus (hey, I'm from Kentucky ). I'll check that and then maybe just run a hone through the old bushings and go from there. Thanks again.