Automotive clutches — recommended free pedal play In passenger cars, the typical free pedal play (free travel at the clutch pedal top before release mechanism begins to act) is approximately:

Introduction / Context:
Correct clutch pedal free play is essential for smooth engagement, avoiding clutch slip, and preventing premature release bearing wear. Free play is the small movement at the pedal before the release mechanism starts to act on the pressure plate. This question checks standard service-interval knowledge for typical passenger cars.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional single-plate dry clutches used in most cars.
• Healthy linkage or hydraulic system with no abnormal wear.
• Measurement is at the pedal pad edge, engine off, vehicle on level ground.

Concept / Approach:
Manufacturers specify a nominal free play band to ensure the clutch fully engages without the release bearing riding on the pressure plate. Too little free play risks slip and heat; too much makes disengagement difficult and can cause gear clash. A widely accepted nominal value for many cars is about 25 mm at the pedal top (often a range around 20–30 mm).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify standard service data: typical car clutch free play ≈ 25 mm.Compare with options: 15 mm (too small), 40–60 mm (too large).Select the nearest standard nominal value: 25 mm.

Verification / Alternative check:
Workshop manuals commonly quote free play around 20–30 mm at the pedal or 3–5 mm at the release fork clearance. This validates 25 mm as a representative figure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
15 mm can leave insufficient clearance, causing bearing drag. 40 mm and 60 mm are excessive and can prevent full disengagement, causing gear grinding and poor shift quality.

Common Pitfalls:
Measuring with carpets interfering; ignoring self-adjusting mechanisms on some hydraulic systems; adjusting without checking release fork or cable wear.

Final Answer:
25 mm