I was just curious as to why the clutch pedal of my mustang isn't returning when ever I depress it. I usually have to just pull the clutch up with my foot. does anyone know what would cause this? i thought it might be the bushings or something? any advice would be appreciated.

 

More than likely it is an issue with the return spring.

 

I second what he said.

 

Yep, check under the hood near the steering box. There should be a long spring attached to the clutch stop mechanism.

 

That spring is not supposed to be relied on to return the pedal to the top of travel. Something else is going on here.

The clutch cover itself should have enough spring pressure to return the pedal to the top of travel. Any return springs in the system are designed to take up slack. The only linkage spring of any decent size in the clutch system is the one under the dash, which is an over-center assist spring.

Did you by any chance install a new clutch recently? If so, was it a diaphragm clutch (many flat fingers in the middle), or one with three fingers on the inside? Diaphragm clutches (usually) require removing the under-dash assist spring, as they don't require much effort to actuate.

Other problem areas to look at would be the z-bar bushings and the clutch pedal bushing. If either of these are bound up, it could hinder the clutch pedal return.

 

I have diaphragm clutch, rollerized pedal and heim joint linkages.
If clutch is not adjusted properly or has excessive linkage play it won't return pedal past over-center point.
Improper throw out bearing thickness may also cause a problem.
Properly adjusted, mine will return pedal w/ or w/o the tiny engine bay linkage spring installed.
I did not have to remove the stout under dash assist spring w/ my center force clutch.

 

Here is some info on the pedal, along with a diagram:

Mustang Clutch Assist Spring Removal and Installation

 

I don't like that method for removing 67 spring. The vent prevents sliding pedal to the left.

To remove 67 spring I remove steering column tube, drop pedal assembly and remove spring under no tension.

 

Um, that's needlessly complicated. I have a '67 and have done it the way mentioned in the article and it works fine. You only need to slide the pedal to the left about 3/4".

 

I tried the method in the article.

I could not get pedal positioned where it would slide w/o binding.

Could not get enough pedal travel to relieve all assist spring tension.

The wires, cable and vent were interfering.

I was about to loose my lunch working under that dash.

Once I dropped the pedal assembly every thing was easy