Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Need some help? Put your question up here. Many years of experience on the board to help you get up and running.

Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan

Post Reply
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by sportston »

Does anyone on here know if the clutch push rods are hardened?
The one on my GT380 is corroded and I was wondering if it was possible to make a new one from stainless rod. However I was unsure if it would be too soft?
Would anyone know if it is hardened please?
User avatar
jabcb
Moto GP
Posts: 4240
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
Location: southwestern Pennsylvania

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by jabcb »

The GT380 has two clutch push rods. The one that is exposed to the elements & likely to rust is still available from Suzuki for ~$5.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by sportston »

Thank you. Yes I know that, but I have 6mm stainless rod and thought it might be a good upgrade.
dollydog
Yeah Man, the Interstate
Posts: 630
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2017 7:09 am
Country: england
Suzuki 2-Strokes: several gt250 ramairs

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by dollydog »

that's what i use :D touch wood, not had a problem yet with the stainless ones. don't forget a blob of grease on the ends though :D
cheers, dd.
GTS250 road registered. TS250 engine, Ramair frame.
GT250 big bang road registered. Both pistons fire the same time. USD forks.
GT285 road registered. Overbored - 58mm and TS125 +2 pistons fitted.
GT10 road registered. '65 T10 engine, GT250 frame.
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by sportston »

Cheers DD. I'll make one up tomorrow. Engine is now finally in the bike. Lots of work left to do, but close to getting it running for bench test purposes. Finally its starting to look like a motorcycle instead of skeleton. If only I didn't have loads of bodywork left to do!
Porsche Lizard
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 2:33 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1974 T500

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by Porsche Lizard »

Hi jabcb, I have a 1974 T500 and finally got the bent clutch pushrod out. The interesting thing, is its a two piece push rod of different lengths. One is 4 7/8 in. and the other is 5 1/2 in. All the books say its a single rod. Do you have any knowledge on two piece push rods?
User avatar
ConnerVT
Novice racer
Posts: 963
Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:01 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: T500R (now), T500M (40 yrs ago)
Location: North of Albany, NY

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by ConnerVT »

Mine has the two piece rod. But I'm insure if it came from my '71 or '73 engine.
Porsche Lizard
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2018 2:33 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1974 T500

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by Porsche Lizard »

Thanks. I ordered a new pushrod and its the same size as the longer 5 1/2 in inner one. The bent one is the left side outer one. I don't see that one even mentioned on all the other posts or on eBay. I think I can cut the old long rod down to the 4 7/8 in and make it work. Your idea of using a stainless steel rod made me think about other solutions, so thanks for the idea.
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by sportston »

How do you bend a clutch push rod?
User avatar
dorT500
To the on ramp
Posts: 253
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 12:01 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: '75 T500M since '93 Ridden it over 100,000 mi
Location: Galveston County, Tx.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by dorT500 »

sportston wrote:How do you bend a clutch push rod?
Never had it happen but I suppose a drive chain breaking at speed could do it. :shock:
_____________
______________________
_______________________________
GONE.......WITH A PUFF OF SMOKE AND A BLUR OF SPOKE
sportston
Expert racer
Posts: 1119
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
Country: England, UK
Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Post by sportston »

Yes. I guess that could happen. But I have thought of a more likely cause. Someone removed the clutch rod/chain housing, but not the rod, then dropped the engine whacking the protruding rod in the process?
Post Reply