I've got a quick question with a lengthy explanation. I just purchased an 1988 245 with 180k. That makes three, two 5 speeds, '87 and '88, and one automatic, an '89. Anyhow, the new car was religiously serviced every 3000 miles. The only problem is the clutch effort. The clutch works fine but it is noticeably heavier than my other 5-speed with 189k. One clutch requires virtually no effort to depress and the other requires moderate effort. I replaced the clutch cable in the new car and that made it better but still not like the other car. Because both clutches/trannies operate fine, I now think the '87 had its clutch replaced with a "low lift" clutch (which I understand was standard after 1990) by the previous owner. The bottom line: The 88 requires effort equal to my wife's Saturn SL-2, whereas the '87 is much lighter. Does it sound like one of these cars has the low lift and the other doesn't, or is one just further along in its life? Thanks, Rob

Thanks for all the input. I really have come to love the light clutch especially in Washington DC traffic. I'll just have to get use to the new one. No doubt it will need replacing within the next 20k. Or better yet, maybe I'll just keep both cars.

Even between two cars with all identical parts, the clutch feel can differ somewhat. If there are aftermarket parts installed, it can make a difference as well.

Most importantly, if it's not slipping or dragging, it's still good. The effort might just be highlighting a different part manufacturer.
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chris herbst, five volvos.

Generally I've found there to be large differences both in feel and travel between the various brands and types of clutch, even for the same basic vehicle.

If it works and you can live with it, I'ld just use it.

Bram

I can't answer your question, but do the two cars in question have clutch pedals that travel approximately equal distances? I sat in an early 240 w/M46, and when I pushed the clutch down, I couldn't believe at how much shorter the pedal travel was than my '87 w/M47. My '87 feels very light and easy to push down, but the clutch was replaced about 2.5 years ago.
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Volvo 240 Links

This is interesting to me because i have an 86 740 with a short clutch travel, and is harder to push down than my mothers 84 240 with a much larger clutch travel. You know this makes sense because if you spread the work of engaging the clutch over more distance your force necessary to move the clutch is reduced (basic physics).

Also, my 740 now has a 240 tranny (minus bellhousing and clutch). It is still the same with a hard clutch.

I don't know what to conclude from this besides that different years or cars had different clutches and stuff...

Nate