1985 Subaru Hatchback Clutch Won't Disengage

1985 SUBARU
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I have an 85 4x4 Hatchback with 168,000 miles on it. It is having horrible shift problems. I just replaced the tranny mounts and adjusted the cable and she still shifts weird. I need help, I've got to get this car going by Friday!
Apr 12, 2006 at 9:19 AM
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LOSONE
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What kind of tranny??
Apr 12, 2006 at 9:23 AM
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It's a four speed manual... I think. I've had the car for about two weeks and never even put it into 4th much less discovered if it is a five speed, the shifter is sloppy as hell.
Apr 12, 2006 at 4:43 PM
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LOSONE
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The first thing you need to do is to find the source of the sloppy shifter. There is a bushing arrangement where it comes out of the floor. Hopefully the sloppy is external to the tranny. After you have fixed that then we can look for the real cause of the problem but I suspect that the sloppy shifter is the problem. Good luck
Apr 13, 2006 at 1:39 AM
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All the bushings appeared fine, I had checked those too. The tranny feels like the clutch cable isn't disengaging the clutch fully but the cable is adjusted fine.
Apr 13, 2006 at 3:31 AM
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LOSONE
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Sounds like a bad tranny. There isn't supposed to be any slack in the shifter. The clutch cable may be stretched or the clutch assy may be bad. Let me know
Apr 13, 2006 at 9:29 AM
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I'm thinking my pressure plate is shot, the clutch will not disengage at all. Plus, the clutch cable's tightened up all the way and the pedal feels completely dead. Any idea how hard a new clutch is on this vehicle? Doesn't look too bad.
Apr 13, 2006 at 11:24 AM
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LOSONE
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Remove the tranny and there it is. You will need a centering tool to install the clutch set. Good luck
Apr 13, 2006 at 11:34 AM
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Suggested Repair

With the clutch not disengaging and the pedal dead even with the cable fully tightened, remove the transmission and replace the clutch set, using a centering tool for installation. Also inspect the clutch cable for stretch. The shifter should have no slack; floor bushings were already checked and appeared fine.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1985 Subaru 4x4 hatchback with a manual transmission reported poor shifting and a very loose shifter after replacing transmission mounts and adjusting the cable. The expert first advised finding external shifter play at the floor bushings. After those appeared fine, the owner said the clutch would not disengage at all, the cable was tightened fully, and the pedal felt dead, suspecting a failed pressure plate. The expert said the transmission may be bad or the cable or clutch assembly may be worn, and advised removing the transmission to access and install a clutch set with a centering tool.

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