I am ready to put this transmission back in the car. It is a low-mileage car but the clutch was stuck so I pulled the engine put a new clutch in and throw out the bearing. The linkage in the attached photo does not move very easily. It does move freely but it is kinda stiff.

I did grease all parts of this setup before putting it back on the car but I want to make sure this stiffness is normal.

Anyone with experience that can offer some guidance.

Thanks,

Craig

Not sure, my turismo was an automatic, I would like to see pics of this car you have.

I would imangine it should move rather freely , have you taken it out of the hole it goes thru to clean and lube it ?

Pushing the way back memory from working at the Plymouth dealership, I think they originally moved very easily, as in without the throw out bearing in place, gravity would have pulled the lever down kind of easy. Being a cable operated lever, too much resistance would not have been good for long clutch life, or quick clutch release. I believe the shaft passing through the bell housing has a bushing in it, I suspect crud has built up around the bushing. I believe we used to hose the bushing area with carb or brake cleaner, then re-lube with spray silicone or white grease (been a long time).

Yes it should move freely and easily.

The case gets corrosion behind the bushing. Pull the shaft out, clean it. Gently knock the bushing out, hone the case. Coat both with never seize, reassemble.