I'm finally getting around to changing the original (stiff) clutch cable on the 6. I bought a new auto-adjusting cable years ago; it's been sat on the shelf since.

It's been so long that I can't remember, but is there a clip that holds the ratchet mechanism together/compressed that you must not release until both ends of the cable are fitted? I might have removed this unwittingly years ago. The cable seems to be maximally extended and I can't get the clutch fork end in - there's no way it has enough slack. I can't make the adjuster 'spring back' by pulling on the inner cable, which is something I can do on the old one which is out of the car now.

Do I need a new, new cable?

I can't remember which end I might have pulled years ago that locked the mechanism - probably both. I have the pedal end hooked in place, and there's no way there's enough slack to get the clutch fork end seated. The 2 rubber bushes are nearly touching.

Before I fitted it to the car I put the pedal hook between the vice jaws (not clamped) and pulled on the clutch end to get enough force - still didn't budge.

Considering the small cost of a new cable, I've ordered one now anyway. I'm tempted to gently prise the ratchet mechanism apart on the old/new cable to see if it can be reset.

Edit: I wouldn't otherwise mind that I'll now be doing the job again, if for the fact that it was such a small amount of fun. Getting the pedal end out and then back in past the air con pipes, and then through the bulkhead hole properly is just misery.

The 'new' old one I've had for years - who knows. Whatever was cheapest at GSF at the time, I imagine.

The new one I just bounght from Autodoc - SEIM. Couldn't see the OEM Dura one available.