Page 1 of 1

Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:27 pm
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?

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:45 pm
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.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:54 pm
by sportston
Thank you. Yes I know that, but I have 6mm stainless rod and thought it might be a good upgrade.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 7:23 am
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.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2018 2:22 pm
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!

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 2:48 pm
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?

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 3:08 pm
by ConnerVT
Mine has the two piece rod. But I'm insure if it came from my '71 or '73 engine.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2018 4:15 pm
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.

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2018 9:54 am
by sportston
How do you bend a clutch push rod?

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:22 pm
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:

Re: Are clutch push rods hardened steel?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:32 am
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?