Dreaded clutch cable tube, Question, advice? Options

[Quinn Moore]

Thank goodness it happened in the driveway. Started the car, pushed in the clutch, went for reverse then heard a little grinding noise, put it in neutral and let the clutch pedal out. Pushed the clutch pedal again.......then pop, pedal went halfway to the floor.

Read quite a few posts on the subject. So before cutting anything I got my scope in various spots in the tunnel and found the middle bracket is what broke. I was able to pull/bend the bracket (using some ingenuity) the side where the clutch tube is welded (or braised). The picture shows it how I found it. The two pieces are lined up now. And the tube protrudes out the back firewall. It was almost flush from when the bracket broke and pulled the in, towards the front of the car.

Question 1: Im going to TIG weld a tab to the tube and to the floor.
Any concern, other than burning through the tube?

Question 2: was the tube originally welded to the rear firewall? You can see in the second picture, some deformation and even a small crack where it got pulled through.

I did see a few photos of others solution. i.e. a washer cut so it slips over the tube, and another picture where a guy made a plate. (Looked very nice). But in both instances, i think I read JB weld was used for the "plate" repair, and for the washer repair, I believe its welded. I would assume there could be pressure there. Not sure, that's why im asking. Bottom line, should the tube be attached to the firewall or is it just sticking out of the hole.

Thoughts? Thanks much appreciated.

QM

[Steve]

Most people weld a washer over the tube to the firewall. My car has this fix. My tube also came loose in the tunnel and someone welded it back. Otherwise drilling two holes and using a hose clamp to temporarily hold it in place for a quick tunnel fix.

[mgphoto]

Had it happen to my first 914, for the emergency I used a 1/2 socket large enough to fit over the tube routed the cable through it, got me home.

[Flyinlow]

Thank goodness it happened in the driveway. Started the car, pushed in the clutch, went for reverse then heard a little grinding noise, put it in neutral and let the clutch pedal out. Pushed the clutch pedal again.......then pop, pedal went halfway to the floor.

Read quite a few posts on the subject. So before cutting anything I got my scope in various spots in the tunnel and found the middle bracket is what broke. I was able to pull/bend the bracket (using some ingenuity) the side where the clutch tube is welded (or braised). The picture shows it how I found it. The two pieces are lined up now. And the tube protrudes out the back firewall. It was almost flush from when the bracket broke and pulled the in, towards the front of the car.

Question 1: Im going to TIG weld a tab to the tube and to the floor.
Any concern, other than burning through the tube?

Question 2: was the tube originally welded to the rear firewall? You can see in the second picture, some deformation and even a small crack where it got pulled through.

I did see a few photos of others solution. i.e. a washer cut so it slips over the tube, and another picture where a guy made a plate. (Looked very nice). But in both instances, i think I read JB weld was used for the "plate" repair, and for the washer repair, I believe its welded. I would assume there could be pressure there. Not sure, that's why im asking. Bottom line, should the tube be attached to the firewall or is it just sticking out of the hole.

Thoughts? Thanks much appreciated.

QM

answer to question 2…. Mine was originally brazed at that location

[barefoot]

My tube attachment at the front was broken off, so i used a clamp made for electrical cable & bolted it to the tunnel. It aint goin nowhere now.

The clutch tube should not be carrying any longitudinal load. Check at the 180 degree turning wheel at the tranny, to see if the locating tab is properly located.
Barefoot

[Superhawk996]

Beware of welding tubes.

The tubes are originally brazed to prevent the possibility of weld sag deforming into the interior of the tube - at which point you’ll really be hating life.

[burton73]

Beware of welding tubes.

The tubes are originally brazed to prevent the possibility of weld sag deforming into the interior of the tube - at which point you’ll really be hating life.

I was told to put a drill the same size as the ID of tube to work as a heat sink. It all worked
Best Bob B

[Quinn Moore]

My tube attachment at the front was broken off, so i used a clamp made for electrical cable & bolted it to the tunnel. It aint goin nowhere now.

The clutch tube should not be carrying any longitudinal load. Check at the 180 degree turning wheel at the tranny, to see if the locating tab is properly located.
Barefoot

Thanks.... I don't recall seeing a locating tab when I removed the 2 nuts on the cable end.. b
And im having issues finding a good picture of one (installed). I see it on the PET diagram. And ordered one with a couple other things from AA.

Ill look again when I get back over there, my other garage where the car is.

If anyone has a picture handy, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for your help.

QM

[Superhawk996]

Beware of welding tubes.

The tubes are originally brazed to prevent the possibility of weld sag deforming into the interior of the tube - at which point you’ll really be hating life.

I was told to put a drill the same size as the ID of tube to work as a heat sink. It all worked
Best Bob B

That’s a good solution at the open end. If I understand OPs situation his broke at the middle support bracket that is near the middle of the big sweeping bend.

[Superhawk996]

Parking a picture of the complete tunnel internals here in case it helps anyone.

In this picture of a donor part for my car you can also see where the middle support bracket has let go in the same way.

You can also see where it was repaired near the open end with a couple threaded J bolts.