Clutch actuator arm pin removal

[IanR]

On some gearboxes with a lever-operated clutch, the clutch actuator is held onto the pivot by a peculiar threaded pin that looks like the tail end of a bolt. Others report difficulties in getting this out, so I though I'd post a method which worked well for me.

First point is that this isn't a bolt and despite being threaded it doesn't unscrew. It's a smooth-sided interference fit pin, and has to be pulled out. Citroen dealers use a special tool which screws onto the threaded section. If you don't have this, a tool can be made from four M7, 1mm thread-pitch nuts. Ebay seller aboltfromtheblue can supply.

Take three of the nuts and drill them to 8mm so as to have a completely smooth bore. These will serve as spacers. Grease two and slide them onto the  pin, followed by a threaded M7 nut. Tighten the threaded nut until the grip of the pin breaks and it starts to pull out. If it is reluctant, tap the pin end with a small hammer while you turn, to help break the grip. Mine came quite easily. Wind the nut, pulling the pin out, until the thread goes stiff, which means your nut has reached the unthreaded section of the pin. Wind it back off and put the third smoothbore nut under it. Repeat, and the pin should now be loose enough to pull out.

To put back in, just protect the thread with a nut, and tap the narrowed end with a small hammer.