Creaky Clutch Pedal possible fix

[Michigander]

I may have found a solution to the creaky clutch pedal issue. I've at least found the source (on my Bronco).

TLDR

My fix was to remove the clutch spring and separate the 2 halves. Then clean the existing grease off of the plastic parts and grease it with red wheel bearing grease. This grease that I used.

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/multi-purpose-grease/

I reassembled it and the creaking is gone.

It took less than 30 minutes. Detailed steps are below.

I've since learned that this grease may not be compatible with plastic. So, there may be a better grease, but since the I can buy a complete replacement spring assembly for $15 from Ford, I am going to take my chances.



Long version begins here:

This is my clutch pedal creaking (after running the heater for 15 or 20 minutes). At the time my Bronco probably had 7000 miles.

The dealer couldn't fix it, so I took a look and noticed that I could feel the creaking when touching the clutch spring attaching points. This is the spring I am referring to (shown looking toward back of the vehicle). It's attached to the clutch pedal. The white plastic parts is where I could feel it when making it creak.

I removed the spring and could feel the stiction in the spring when compressing it slowly.

This video shows how to remove the spring assembly (note: I did NOT change to the Steeda spring). The removal starts about 1 minute in:



I pulled the 2 halves apart. There was grease on it, so I thought I would clean it and put on new different grease.

I used red wheel bearing grease that I had. It was:

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/multi-purpose-grease/

I put it back together and it was smooth with no creak. I think the pedal effort even felt lighter (I did NOT change the spring)

As mentioned above, I found that this grease is not recommended for plastics, so maybe there's something out there that's ok for plastic, but better than the factory grease.

I'll try to remember to post an update after I have spent more time with it.

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[Dan-O]

Ya, I would clean the red grease off completely and use a silicone based lube. Spray silicone will work too. Mainly just try to stay away from “petroleum “ based products on plastics as it could contribute to accelerated cracking and drying of plastic parts leading to premature failure. How premature…….hard to say.

 

[BudgetBronco]

Thanks for the detailed post, I am going to give this a try, I have recently started to hear/feel the dreaded clutch creak.

 

[Michigander]

Ya, I would clean the red grease off completely and use a silicone based lube. Spray silicone will work too. Mainly just try to stay away from “petroleum “ based products on plastics as it could contribute to accelerated cracking and drying of plastic parts leading to premature failure. How premature…….hard to say.

You're probably right. At this point I am just thrilled that it's fixed, and I don't want to change anything.

I may have gotten good results if I had just smeared some more of the brown grease that was covering it onto the plastic shaft.

Since I can replace the whole spring assembly for $15 I am going to leave it the way it is for now.

At least I know how to make it better.

 

[JT58Bronc]

I have had a few creaky clutches in the past. Cleaning and/or re-lube has always worked. Grease and lube dries out especially in the heat in FL where I live. Newer vehicles only 1 or 2 years old got creaky clutches. Always been an easy fix.

 

[UncleBrad]

I may have found a solution to the creaky clutch pedal issue. I've at least found the source (on my Bronco).

TLDR

My fix was to remove the clutch spring and separate the 2 halves. Then clean the existing grease off of the plastic parts and grease it with red wheel bearing grease. This grease that I used.

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/multi-purpose-grease/

I reassembled it and the creaking is gone.

It took less than 30 minutes. Detailed steps are below.

I've since learned that this grease may not be compatible with plastic. So, there may be a better grease, but since the I can buy a complete replacement spring assembly for $15 from Ford, I am going to take my chances.



Long version begins here:

This is my clutch pedal creaking (after running the heater for 15 or 20 minutes). At the time my Bronco probably had 7000 miles.

The dealer couldn't fix it, so I took a look and noticed that I could feel the creaking when touching the clutch spring attaching points. This is the spring I am referring to (shown looking toward back of the vehicle). It's attached to the clutch pedal. The white plastic parts is where I could feel it when making it creak.

I removed the spring and could feel the stiction in the spring when compressing it slowly.

This video shows how to remove the spring assembly (note: I did NOT change to the Steeda spring). The removal starts about 1 minute in:



I pulled the 2 halves apart. There was grease on it, so I thought I would clean it and put on new different grease.

I used red wheel bearing grease that I had. It was:

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/multi-purpose-grease/

I put it back together and it was smooth with no creak. I think the pedal effort even felt lighter (I did NOT change the spring)

As mentioned above, I found that this grease is not recommended for plastics, so maybe there's something out there that's ok for plastic, but better than the factory grease.

I'll try to remember to post an update after I have spent more time with it.

Aha! The big zip tie is a great idea. I too have a creaky clutch and will address it with a new Steeda spring and new grease. Will have a report on your desk Monday morning...

 

[jsoa]

good stuff, I tried this and worked out. albeit with not-for-plastic geease for now. I did try silicon and it has decent results but still some creaking, also tried white lithium grease with bad results.

Looks like my creaking is coming from the plastic rubbing against plastic, I added grease wherever plastic rubbed against plastic and no more creaking.

I did order a new assembly since they are cheap and plan to find the correct grease.

 

[Lifeliberty]

Is this the part number you guys are talking about? MB3Z-7534-A

Nevermind https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/is-clutch-pedal-spring-assisted.47443/post-1468242

 

[Bruzer22]

A possible different squeak source. For me, I had what I thought was a pedal squeak from day 1. Ended up that it was my seat, the cushion was squeaking against the plastic outer shell. I put some Aquafor on there, no more squeak.

 

[Michigander]

Is this the part number you guys are talking about? MB3Z-7534-A

Nevermind https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/is-clutch-pedal-spring-assisted.47443/post-1468242

Yes, that's what's creaking.

 

[Top Off Doors On]

I may have found a solution to the creaky clutch pedal issue. I've at least found the source (on my Bronco).

TLDR

My fix was to remove the clutch spring and separate the 2 halves. Then clean the existing grease off of the plastic parts and grease it ...

I removed the spring and could feel the stiction in the spring when compressing it slowly.

This is great. Our 2025 started doing it within 1000 miles and it is so obviously two parts rubbing together somewhere. I read about master cylinder replacement, etc as solutions and couldn't believe it. We are on holidays but as soon as I get home I'm coming back to this thread for the fix.

Thank you!!!!

 

[doublebullout]

I installed the Steeda spring last night. This thread was a big help, but in no way was this an easy or quick process. Some caveats:

• I used a regular pair of needle nose pliers to remove the C clip. But I heeded the warnings in other threads and comments to cover the area behind and around the clutch assembly so that the clip didn't accidentally disappear behind any trim pieces. I stuffed paper towels into every nook and cranny I could see. This saved me from having to disassemble the trim not just once, but twice. That little clip can EASILY get lost if you don't take precautions.
• The zip tie tip to hold the clutch pedal back was genius. There's not a lot of room in the footwell to work. Don't try to hold the pedal in with a stick. You'll likely just knock it loose, and you don't want the pedal suddenly coming free with your hands stuck up in there.
• Again, the footwell space is very small and dark. Get lots of light in there.
• Did I mention there's no space to work in there? If you're a large person, tall, or not very flexible, don't bother trying to do this yourself. Seriously. It is not easy getting the reassembled spring back into place.
• Wear gloves to protect your fingers. Springs under compression can easily cause busted knuckles and injuries.

In a brief driving test right after I finished the expletive-laced 2 hour struggle to get the spring back on, I could definitely tell the difference. The clutch pressure is smoother, more consistent, and lighter throughout the entire range of motion. Also QUIETER after disassembly and thoroughly greasing the plastic shaft and receiver parts. If you're going to fix the creaking, this is the best way to do it. It's a nice mod.

(But budget a lot more than 15 minutes to do it.)

 

[Michigander]

A quick update on my experience.

The creaking came back (after using the red grease).

I have since re-greased with this grease.

I also changed over to the Steeda spring.

I will try to remember to update this tread at a later date.

The spring is a nice improvement. I would say the pedal effort is reduced 20%.

 

[Michigander]

A quick update on my experience.

The creaking came back (after using the red grease).

I have since re-greased with this grease.

I also changed over to the Steeda spring.

I will try to remember to update this tread at a later date.

The spring is a nice improvement. I would say the pedal effort is reduced 20%.

It's been about 8 months and 8,000 miles since I switched to this grease and I am happy with the results. I have occasional noticed slight creaking, but nothing like it was. I may re-apply more grease this summer, but plan to use this same grease.

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