How much force needed to push the clutch?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 171
Likes: 51
How much force needed to push the clutch?
I broke my left foot a few weeks back that required surgery. I've sadly parked my 996 and been driving an automatic Hyundai sonata 
I'm supposed to be non weight bearing for 6 weeks but wanted to know how much force is required to push the clutch. Aren't clutches rated in pound force?
I'm going to make a pitch to my surgeon team to see if I can use my car prior to the 6 week non weight bearing period...
I'm supposed to be non weight bearing for 6 weeks but wanted to know how much force is required to push the clutch. Aren't clutches rated in pound force?
I'm going to make a pitch to my surgeon team to see if I can use my car prior to the 6 week non weight bearing period...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 406
From: Greater Toronto Area
Twenty-two years ago, at the age of thirty-five, I underwent a hip replacement. Once I regained mobility, I expressed a desire to return to work. However, my physician firmly advised against it, explaining that during recuperation the priority must be recovery itself. He emphasized that focusing on healing, rather than resuming professional responsibilities, was essential to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
I followed his guidance. The wisdom of his advice became clear to me when, some months later, I was leaving my cottage and stepped down just three inches from the deck to the grass while carrying a briefcase. The movement caused pain, though no damage was done. That moment underscored the importance of remaining attentive during recovery; without focus, one can easily risk re-injury through seemingly minor actions.
Today, at fifty-seven, I continue to live with the same hip, which shows minimal deterioration and may well last throughout my lifetime. The only activities I have chosen to avoid are water and snow skiing, but otherwise I am able to participate fully in all aspects of daily life.
I firmly believe that my disciplined recovery process was directly tied to the long-term success of my hip replacement.
I followed his guidance. The wisdom of his advice became clear to me when, some months later, I was leaving my cottage and stepped down just three inches from the deck to the grass while carrying a briefcase. The movement caused pain, though no damage was done. That moment underscored the importance of remaining attentive during recovery; without focus, one can easily risk re-injury through seemingly minor actions.
Today, at fifty-seven, I continue to live with the same hip, which shows minimal deterioration and may well last throughout my lifetime. The only activities I have chosen to avoid are water and snow skiing, but otherwise I am able to participate fully in all aspects of daily life.
I firmly believe that my disciplined recovery process was directly tied to the long-term success of my hip replacement.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 171
Likes: 51
Okay, I ask this question with past experience. I've had 3 surgeries on my right knee after trauma and have been through months of non weight bearing and recovery.
This is a broken bone in my foot which has been repaired with a plate and screws. I walked on this foot and drove my car (including a 22 hour road trip) for three weeks before I learned that my foot was broken.
If they give the okay for me to be partial weight bearing (25% for example), that would mean that I could also push down a 50 lb clutch pedal.
I'm plenty comfortable that if they allow me to be partial weight bearing in a week, driving the car would be no problem and not a safety issue.
I'm just trying to understand the general amount of force needed to push the pedal. Not looking to go outside of my doctors advice.
This is a broken bone in my foot which has been repaired with a plate and screws. I walked on this foot and drove my car (including a 22 hour road trip) for three weeks before I learned that my foot was broken.
If they give the okay for me to be partial weight bearing (25% for example), that would mean that I could also push down a 50 lb clutch pedal.
I'm plenty comfortable that if they allow me to be partial weight bearing in a week, driving the car would be no problem and not a safety issue.
I'm just trying to understand the general amount of force needed to push the pedal. Not looking to go outside of my doctors advice.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 171
Likes: 51
Update - This type of surgery is often allowed partial weight bearing after 2 weeks (which I am).
I also drove the car for 2+ weeks before I even knew my foot was broken. So this was not a safety, nor a health issue.
I was simply trying to ballpark the amount of forced needed to push the clutch so I could ask my surgeon team, IF they allowed me to bear partial weight.
Unfortunately... They said with my particular type of break, they want zero weight bearing for 6 weeks. Sadly the car will sit parked for another 4 weeks
I also drove the car for 2+ weeks before I even knew my foot was broken. So this was not a safety, nor a health issue.
I was simply trying to ballpark the amount of forced needed to push the clutch so I could ask my surgeon team, IF they allowed me to bear partial weight.
Unfortunately... They said with my particular type of break, they want zero weight bearing for 6 weeks. Sadly the car will sit parked for another 4 weeks
Racer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 53
From: Marco Island
After hip replacement surgery I needed clearance to drive my 996 from both my surgeon and physical therapist/occupational therapist. The OC in particular can evaluate your progress to do everyday activities, like driving and pushing the clutch. /X3
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: the perimeter
You may have been driving the car with a broken foot but that in no way compares with driving the car with a recently repaired foot, with screws holding things in place. Give it time to heal.
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