Uploaded June 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The clutch pedal had a lot of free play, meaning that gear changing was getting stiff due to the clutch not fully disengaging. In this video it shows a simple zero cost way to fix it. This was done on an MG ZS, but probably applies to a lot of cars, not just MG or Rover, as the clutch joint can get worn with age and mileage. Redrilling a new hole to connect to the master cylinder is the solution. Easier than you might think and easy with a cobalt drill bit. See here for a buying link:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2s82u4z
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2szECsl
Be careful that there is some small amount of play or free movement left in the system so that the clutch and clutch bearing is not constantly being pushed on, which will prematurely wear it. In my example all of the play at the pedal to master cylinder rod joint was removed, but there was still some play between the rod and cylinder.
The reduction in play gave a vast improvement in the quality and smoothness of the gear changing. With a noticeably higher 'bite' point on the clutch.
The clutch mechanism is a bit of a weak point on these MG/Rover ZS cars with the k series engine so this is a useful fix for these issues along with my other video about the slave mounting plate, see this one:
youtu.be/z8t2dvIP3cY
Subscribe to the channel for similar DIY, fixing stuff, car bits and tech reviews here:
youtube.com/subscribe_widget?p=comeinhandynow
Note, if you want to be notified of new videos click on the bell symbol on my home page.
See other videos on my channel here:
youtube.com/user/comeinhandynow
If anyone wants to show appreciation for any money savings, or just help support the channel and future videos then you now can. Use this link: paypal.me/comeinhandy
OR you can support me by using the Amazon and Ebay links to buy other stuff that you would usually buy, it will not cost you anything more, but will help this channel. e.g. Generally useful stuff:
Face mask:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2GHE9d6
Similar ones on Amazon USA: amzn.to/2IHmip1
Eye goggles: Amazon UK: amzn.to/2IUSqos
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2GAtIXJ
Rubber disposible gloves are also useful, here's the links for
eBay USA: ebay.us/GGqmTJ
eBay UK: ebay.us/cE1BHK
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3aikbl8
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3cdwjpD
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Q0VHZm
Amazon Australia: amzn.to/2QlUawX
A set of precision screwdrivers:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2W311si
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Z322T5
I’m on Facebook here: facebook.com/comeinhandynow
Become a Patron to get extra content or previews or sponsor here: patreon.com/user?u=31365629&fan_landing=true
The video is about my personal opinion and experience and contains no paid for product placements. No responsibility is accepted for any perceived recommendation for or against a product or feature nor any consequential damage or harm since this video is just my personal experience. You accept by watching this video that you accept any responsibility for any subsequent actions or decisions that you take.
Note on copyright / licensing: This video was created using Apple iMovie and as such any music or video content is fully licensed by their terms and conditions for free publication and distribution.
See the Apple iMovie software license agreement at:
images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iMovie.pdf
Which states "all Sample Content included in the Apple Software may be used on a royalty-free basis in your own video projects"
Additional background music free used royalty and copyright free (no copyright songs) from the following source:
AndyM -Oasis [Faded NCS Release] youtube.com/watch?v=1C-EjJHn6SY
The clutch pedal had a lot of free play, meaning that gear changing was getting stiff due to the clutch not fully disengaging. In this video it shows a simple zero cost way to fix it. This was done on an MG ZS, but probably applies to a lot of cars, not just MG or Rover, as the clutch joint can get worn with age and mileage. Redrilling a new hole to connect to the master cylinder is the solution. Easier than you might think and easy with a cobalt drill bit. See here for a buying link:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2s82u4z
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2szECsl
Be careful that there is some small amount of play or free movement left in the system so that the clutch and clutch bearing is not constantly being pushed on, which will prematurely wear it. In my example all of the play at the pedal to master cylinder rod joint was removed, but there was still some play between the rod and cylinder.
The reduction in play gave a vast improvement in the quality and smoothness of the gear changing. With a noticeably higher 'bite' point on the clutch.
The clutch mechanism is a bit of a weak point on these MG/Rover ZS cars with the k series engine so this is a useful fix for these issues along with my other video about the slave mounting plate, see this one:
youtu.be/z8t2dvIP3cY
Subscribe to the channel for similar DIY, fixing stuff, car bits and tech reviews here:
youtube.com/subscribe_widget?p=comeinhandynow
Note, if you want to be notified of new videos click on the bell symbol on my home page.
See other videos on my channel here:
youtube.com/user/comeinhandynow
If anyone wants to show appreciation for any money savings, or just help support the channel and future videos then you now can. Use this link: paypal.me/comeinhandy
OR you can support me by using the Amazon and Ebay links to buy other stuff that you would usually buy, it will not cost you anything more, but will help this channel. e.g. Generally useful stuff:
Face mask:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2GHE9d6
Similar ones on Amazon USA: amzn.to/2IHmip1
Eye goggles: Amazon UK: amzn.to/2IUSqos
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2GAtIXJ
Rubber disposible gloves are also useful, here's the links for
eBay USA: ebay.us/GGqmTJ
eBay UK: ebay.us/cE1BHK
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3aikbl8
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3cdwjpD
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Q0VHZm
Amazon Australia: amzn.to/2QlUawX
A set of precision screwdrivers:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2W311si
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Z322T5
I’m on Facebook here: facebook.com/comeinhandynow
Become a Patron to get extra content or previews or sponsor here: patreon.com/user?u=31365629&fan_landing=true
The video is about my personal opinion and experience and contains no paid for product placements. No responsibility is accepted for any perceived recommendation for or against a product or feature nor any consequential damage or harm since this video is just my personal experience. You accept by watching this video that you accept any responsibility for any subsequent actions or decisions that you take.
Note on copyright / licensing: This video was created using Apple iMovie and as such any music or video content is fully licensed by their terms and conditions for free publication and distribution.
See the Apple iMovie software license agreement at:
images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iMovie.pdf
Which states "all Sample Content included in the Apple Software may be used on a royalty-free basis in your own video projects"
Additional background music free used royalty and copyright free (no copyright songs) from the following source:
AndyM -Oasis [Faded NCS Release] youtube.com/watch?v=1C-EjJHn6SY
