I just got off the road from another test ride and this linkage issue is fresh in my mind. I have extensively upgraded my clutch linkage, replacing all of the wear points with hyme joints and remaking all the linkage. I toyed with the idea of running a hydraulic setup and decided that the mechanical setup was simple and bulletproof so why change it. I'm beginning to regret this I think. I find the mechanical setup is clunky and inefficient. The clutch is grabby, and there is a weird pivot point halfway through the swing of the pedal. The car jerks when the clutch is engaged and is lurchy upon takeoff. The whole thing, with the lurching on takeoff, the grabby clutch and the pivot point all feel pretty crappy. I'm wondering if the hydraulic setup would have been a better way to go.

youll never guess what we used to do in the old days. When a customer would come in with the no more adjustment left on the threaded rod,we would heat up the crossshaft and bend it tighter.Talk about cheap.But in those days a complete lingage replacement was out of the question. Go for new parts and let them wear out.Just part of the original design.

Thanks for the replies! I think the 444 is a bit diferent than the 544, at least the B18 versions. I am now thinking that heim joints in a couple of places (green arrows in the graphic) and an oilite bronze bushing with zerk (red arrow) would solve the problem, or at least greatly reduce the onset of any 'slop' in the system. The three places indicated look to be the main problem areas, at least on my car. I have a bit of time before I can put the new engine/trans in (waiting on driveshaft and other parts) so I may see if I can tweak this to improve its service life.



Cheers!
OK

Hey I found it , go to the photo gallery choose 544 444 photos and choose the third picture set (red car) . Hope this helps Larry

Hello,

The lack of lubrication is an issue, but back then Volvo just expected you to change linkage pieces when needed and they assumed they were going to make them forever.

I have converted to heim joints, but this was a lot of work and was actually done to operate a clutch master that was mounted in place of the brake master as we put an 1800e dual circuit brake master with booster attached to the frame under the drivers seat.

I have in stock a reproduction bracket that welds to the frame that accepts the stock clutch linkage bushing if you want to keep it stock.

Most of the rest of the linkage is still available new including all 3 of the pieces that push on the clutch throw out fork and of course I have most of them in stock.

When ever I am out of stock or if the piece is not available, I have been able to fill grooves in metal linkage pieces with weld and then grind back to near the correct shape.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90501

Heim joints work nicely. Sorry I don't know html stuff, but I think this'll copy and paste:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/volvorelix/2106172890/in/set-72157603442476319/

Best,

Cameron
122SC,444
Rose City

Hey dave , there is something in the archives on this fix as you mentioned with heim joints . I will see if i can find it . I saved a picture of it . Larry