Strange Clutch pressure?

[rgirard413]

I have a 98 GSX and when im driving sometimes the clutch will be really stiff to push and, and then suddly it will be really easy, and continutelly alternate between the two while im driving. I was just curious if there could be something wrong somewhere?

 

[anubis]

by "really stiff" do you mean it's harder than normal to push?
by "really easy" do you mean it's easier than normal to push?

to me it sounds like you've got air in your lines. you might have a leak somewhere. check for leaks and bleed your clutch.

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

Yup, check the hydraulic system first as it is the easiest. Check your fluid level, pull back the boot on the slave cylinder to check for signs of fluid, and check inside your car against the firewall where the master cylinder comes in to see if any fluid may be leaking there. You may find your problem there but if not it is just one system to eliminate. Update your profile too. Is this a stock clutch or aftermarket? Any recent work done to the car? Good luck to you.

 

[delta448]

Does the really easy pressure happen mostly after taking a turn in a certain direction?

-I'd certainly bleed the clutch line first, but sometimes this situation presents as a symptom of crankwalk.

If bleeding the line doesn't work, and if you notice the pressure is "pumping up", (higher pressure when used more frequent) you may need to adjust the master cylinder rod on the back of the pedal. If adjusted improperly, the pressure relief valve remains covered inside the cylinder. Then the pressure builds up and the fluid very slowly leaks back into the resevoir past the seals to relieve the excess pressure, it can destroy a master cyl. pretty quickly.

 

[rgirard413]

the car is stock. i noticed that when the clutch gets hard, if i push it repeatedly(pump it) that it will loosen back up. If it was a leak, wouldnt it be loose and i would have to pump it up to get into neutral to shift?

Also, this doesnt necessarily happen if im turning, i could be driving on the highway, and all of a sudden the clutch is stiff, or loose, whatever it wasnt just a minute ago.

thanks

 

[delta448]

How much fuild is in the resevoir? Have you made sure there are no leaks?
I think you should flush out the system with some new fluid. Brake (clutch) fluid is touchy stuff, it has a strong affinity for water and likes to collect dirt and debris if you aren't careful.

 

[oldman]

If bleeding the line doesn't work, and if you notice the pressure is "pumping up", (higher pressure when used more frequent) you may need to adjust the master cylinder rod on the back of the pedal. If adjusted improperly, the pressure relief valve remains covered inside the cylinder. Then the pressure builds up and the fluid very slowly leaks back into the resevoir past the seals to relieve the excess pressure, it can destroy a master cyl. pretty quickly.

Yep, do a search on "2G pump up" and you should find your answer.

 

[andymoraitis]

Yep, do a search on "2G pump up" and you should find your answer.

Here's a link to what Bruce is talking about:

http://www.roadraceengineering.com/clutchandflywheeltech.htm

Keep us posted on your results,

Andy

 

[rgirard413]

so the pump up is basically just adjusting the upper clutch pedal adjuster?

 

[delta448]

That's the fix for it, assuming that's the problem. BTW, adjusting the clutch rod really sucks. Unless you are a midget you have to pretty much sit upside down in the driver's seat with your head on the floor and your arm up under the dash.

 

[rgirard413]

is it something that is adjusted by hand, or will i have to somehow fix a wrench or socket up in there

 

[ndsti]

Your problem more or less sounds like crankwalk. I have the same problem except that my car does it once in a blue moon. Oh yeah forgot.....I have crankwalk!

 

[TantrumSKID]

I've had pump up and usually it does NOT loosen up until the car is parked for a time and the pressure is allowed to release naturally. While you're driving, if your clutch is just misadjusted it should STAY STIFF, up until and awhile after, your car has been left off to sit. I hate to imagine the worst, but VARYING pedal pressure can be a symptom of impending crankwalk.

Also, air in the lines or low clutch fluid, I've had these happen to me as well early on, usually results in the clutch getting reall really REALLY soft, up until the point where it just drops to the floor (depending on how empty u are or how much air is trapped in the system).

-Mike

 

[spitfire19]

Did the previous owner or you have the master cylinder replaced?...the reason why is that a few years ago I had the same problem and one day the cylinder just blew up on me and when the shop looked at it...the previous people that worked on it used a wrong part when replacing the clutch...and i didn't know about it...look into it

 

[Bishikid]

Also, air in the lines or low clutch fluid, I've had these happen to me as well early on, usually results in the clutch getting reall really REALLY soft, up until the point where it just drops to the floor (depending on how empty u are or how much air is trapped in the system).

-Mike

yea this actually is my current problem, which is why Im using the search now

 

[Red 4G63]

So, my problem might be along the same lines are the OP problems, so I'll post it and see if it opens doors for other scenarios. I just replaced my stock clutch with a ACT2100 and Streetlight flywheel, new TOB, Mitsu clutch fork, Pivot ball (non-shimmed) and OEM Slave. The clutch acts fine shifting through gears, up and down... Except when I make reasonably hard left turns. It seems as though the pedal goes further towards the firewall before the engagement point connects. Even though everyone will respond Crank Walk... is that really the only opinion on this?! If it is so, how much longer do I have before the crank destroys something else? The car currently has 97k on the Odometer, I have already spent so much time and money I can't afford to replace the motor right now. I don't beat on the car, nor do I race it... it is my "Sunday Driver", don't hate!

Jerrod