'78 CJ7 Clutch pedal will not return to normal

[kevinhar]

I was doing some winching and when I got back in the driver seat, I depressed the clutch pedal and heard a clunk, then it would not return to its normal position. I then kept driving it and and hear another clunk when I depressed the clutch pedal. It would only come up an inch or so from when it was totally depressed. It seems like the jeep is wanting to inch forward like the clutch is trying to engage or just barely engage. It is difficult to get it in any gear and I get a little grinding especially when going into reverse. Any thought on the cause and how to fix? I am 95% sure that the winching had nothing to do with the clutch and that it just was time to fail and it occurred at the same time.

 

[Woolyworm]

Have you looked at all the linkage between the clutch and the bell housing? Sounds like something has come unconnected or broken in the linkage.


Wooly

 

[Lumpy Grits]

WELCOME!
Sounds like a broken pressure plate spring or 'leg'.
LG

 

[tarry99]

I was doing some winching and when I got back in the driver seat, I depressed the clutch pedal and heard a clunk, then it would not return to its normal position. I then kept driving it and and hear another clunk when I depressed the clutch pedal. It would only come up an inch or so from when it was totally depressed. It seems like the jeep is wanting to inch forward like the clutch is trying to engage or just barely engage. It is difficult to get it in any gear and I get a little grinding especially when going into reverse. Any thought on the cause and how to fix? I am 95% sure that the winching had nothing to do with the clutch and that it just was time to fail and it occurred at the same time.

Where and how is your Winch connected to the chassis? Since your issues seem to have started just after winching is it possible that you broke a cross member up front that is also attached to the motor mounts in some way?
Motor mounts are important to maintain proper clutch adjustment.

I would first look there and see if there is any issues........

and then onto a return spring on the fork / linkage, there is also one under the dash and perhaps the spring on the fork that retains it on the ball inside the can has broken leaving the fork loose........?, crawl under and see if it shakes.

 

[hdgapeach]

Had the same scenario happen to me years ago with my former Golden Eagle (minus the winch thing);

My linkage had busted loose from the firewall. Left me with no clutch action because every time I pushed the pedal all the linkage did was push away from the firewall.

Follow all of your linkage from the firewall to the bell housing while someone works the pedal. If it has to do with the linkage, it ought to be obvious what let go.