??? Any one noticed that the clutch pedal seems to be made of Plastic?

Anyone broken one yet?

Diesel Fool

 

Nope, clutch pedal seems fine so far, but the parking brake cover is almost ready to fall off.

 

Yep! It's plastic..noticed it when I installed my brake controller. At least they had sense enough not to make the brake pedal out of plastic.

Also noted that the drop down panel under the steering wheel has no hinges. It is just the plastic flexing when you pop the panel loose and lower it. Mine has already cracked on one side due to lowering the panel too many times, I guess. But then the manual didn't say how many times I could lower it. : So be careful with that.

 

[quote author=Diesel Fool link=board=17;threadid=21933;start=0#msg205097 date=1067892794]
??? Any one noticed that the clutch pedal seems to be made of Plastic?

Anyone broken one yet?

Diesel Fool
[/quote]

That is riduculous !!! I cant believe that....

 

anything to save a little weight....

 

[quote author=westcoaster link=board=17;threadid=21933;start=0#msg205345 date=1067924524]
anything to save a little weight....
[/quote]

More like anything to save a buck!

 

[quote author=Jonesey link=board=17;threadid=21933;start=0#msg205414 date=1067957263]
[quote author=westcoaster link=board=17;threadid=21933;start=0#msg205345 date=1067924524]
anything to save a little weight....
[/quote]

More like anything to save a buck!
[/quote]

No kidding....where does the skimping end??? It wont be long before the majority of the truck is plastic....

 

As much as I don't like it either, we have to be realistic. I have no doubt that Chrysler did extensive research and testing on this pedal before releasing it for production. Modern plastics can equal or exceed the strength of steel in some applications. The cost to manufacture is probably cheaper. ie Tooling costs are probably cheaper. No painting required. Weight is less. Strength pound for pound is probably better for the plastic. Am guessing that no machining is required for the plastic part which would contribute to it being made cheaper.
That's all I can think of at this time. Anybody want to refute what I just said? I was wrong once before so guess I could be once again.

 

Plastic clutch pedals will work great when its -45 C in Northern Alberta.....These trucks can and do run in these conditions (and colder).....

 

They could be OK even at exteme cold temps. Bet most of you did not know that much of the wing of a modern airplane has structural parts that are bonded. Even the trusty Twin Otter (DHC 6) has much of the wing with major structural parts bonded on. Bonding equals plastics. Something like an aircraft wing goes thru major temp changes in a single flight and they do not fail. They constantly exceed -45C.
So I say, as much as we do not like the plastic stuff, let's wait and see before condeming them. Remember, companies like Chrysler do extensive hot and cold testing before releasing a componant for manufacture. My guess is that something like the clutch pedal is a sub-contract item and the company that manufactured it also did their own testing.

 

I guess, as always the test of time will tell......

 

Yeah i'm sure it will be fine. Also, in the unfortunate event of an accident, the pedal may break away easier. I'd rather have a broken clutch pedal than a broken shin.

 

really though, just how much stress is there in the clutch pedal? to me, it would appear to be constant, never more than say, 10-15lbs?

 

Id say its the repetition that would be hard on it.

 

What about the brake pedal? I wish my clutch pedal was plastic Its got a spot wore on it with no paint and looks ugly. Guess I need to paint it AGAIN :

But the plus side alos is that with less weight you get better MPG. I'm sure they tested it guys I would not worrie and if it does break SUE them LOL
DM01