Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

[Rick S.]

While taking some photos of the engine compartment I noticed that my clutch push rod rubber seal had split once again. This is the 3rd time in approx 5-6 years that this rubber seal has split for me. The last time, I put some white lithum grease on the rod thinking that the seal was sticking to the rod. Any suggestions to avoid the seal from splitting?
Rick

[Bill C.]

Re: Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

I so want to hear this answer !!!

I am in the exact same boat - mine cracked after being on the car for less than year and barely driving 2000 miles...

I white greased my clutch rod too ------

Must be CHEAP rubber these days ........

[Dave B.]

Re: Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

I also have the same problem on my 1966. About a year and very few miles due to painting.
Dave

[Ken A.]

Re: Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

Don't use oil based grease! Use silicone brake fluid or silicone based lube for rubber, such as dielectric grease.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

When the factory installed those seals, they didn't pay any attention to the angle that is molded into the seal and it will pull in and out every time you push in or let out the clutch pedal. I had the same thing happen to me, the new seal I put in pulled in and out and developed a crack.

The mistake I made was using the factory drilled holes to attach the new seal. If you notice, there is a slight angle bend in the clutch push rod and for the rubber boot. To work smoothly, it also has an angle. The key issue here is to get both of these angles in sync so the rod barely comes in contact with the rubber.

Simple solution...get another new boot and slide it up on the push rod up against the firewall, don't pay any attention to where the factory holes line up. Tape the boot to the firewall and press in the clutch pedal. If there appears to be any friction on the boot, continue to rotate the boot and tape it until you have almost zero contact between the rod and the boot. When you have it right in position, then drill three new holes in the firewall and the problem is solved. The new boot will cover the old misaligned factory holes. Just my take and it worked for me. PT

[Rick S.]

Re: Clutch Push Rod Rubber Seal -1967

Patrick,
Thanks for the tip, I will give that a try!

Rick