An operating mechanism particularly for the clutch of a motor vehicle operating to automatically change the normal actuating position of the clutch conditional upon wear includes a first lever member and a second lever member with a ratchet mechanism operatively interposed therebetween. The pawl of the ratchet mechanism is urged in a direction disengaged from the ratchet wheel of the ratchet mechanism by a control member when a boundary position of wear is reached thereby to minimize play in the clutch.