clutch issue

[captd108]

i went to take my car out this morning, and from the moment i first stepped on the clutch i felt something was very different. The resistance that i would normally feel soon after i pressed the clutch, i would feel towards the floor. It was starting to get more difficult to drive and at one point there was hardly any resistance at all, and it wouldnt go in gear. After pumping the clutch a few times, i would get that resistance back for a little bit. Afterwards i popped the hood and checked that the clutch fluid reservoir was more or less empty. I go to fill it with clutch fluid hoping for a quick fix, but there really isnt much of a difference, atleast not like how it should normally feel. ANy suggestions as to what may be going on. Does the clutch need to be bled or as i read somewhere else, i have to replace the master slave cylinder. If it needs to be replaced how much are u looking at around for parts and labor. Thanks guys

 

[wimploki]

Here you go...


http://roadraceengineering.com/clutchandflywheeltech.htm

scroll down in the middle of the page and read up on clutch adjustment.

 

[Meh987]

If you were low on fluid, you're probably leaking it somewhere. Check under the dash, where the clutch pedal is, to see if there's brake fluid dripping down onto your carpet. If so, you have a bad master cylinder. If not, check the slave cylinder boot to see if there's fluid in there. That would indicate a bad slave cylinder. If nothing still, follow the lines from the master to the slave to see if they're leaking somewhere.

 

[captd108]

i havent had a chance to diagnose anything on my own yet since i was away all weekend, but on my way to work today i decided to call the dealership for some price quotes on parts and labor, which of course, they wouldnt give without bringing in the car. They mentioned however, a third possible situation...the clutch disc failing. How likely is that possible, and also i had replaced that around 2 yrs ago with an act 2100, so i dont think that wouldve gone so fast, and it hasnt slipped or anything on me at all. How would i recognize if this is the case. Also i noticed after i put the fluid in there, a couple of days later i saw that it had decreased a little bit, but not all that much, and the pedal still has very little resistance.

 

[92AndAHalf]

When you press the clutch in all the way to the floor and release your foot off of it fast, does it spring back quickly as normal, or does it stay at the floor? Checked to see if the underside of your transmission is wet. If it is, then the slave cylinder needs replacement. It's a fairly easy job, and doesn't take that long.

 

[captd108]

yeah if i press it, it usually doesnt come up easily on its own, and can sometimes stay stuck there. They just scared me by throwing in that it could be the disc so i want to see what could lead to that so i know what to maybe expect.

 

[92AndAHalf]

I've heard that the springs can pop out, but I'm not sure how common that is. I had the same problem you're having, and I thought there was something wrong with my clutch, but it ended up being the slave cylinder. Bought a new one from the dealer, cost me like $70 I think, and replaced it. Took about 30 mins.

I doubt it's your clutch, but I guess you never know. I would start with the cheapest and easiest solution first. Check to see if your slave cylinder is leaking

 

[RT-AWD]

Replacing the master cylinder isn't expensive, i just did it on mine. As for the pedal sticking that happened to me while i was bleeding my master and slave. also when you change the master and slave be sure to adjust your clutch rod under the dash where the pedals are.

 

[92AndAHalf]

^^ in addition to that, make sure when you're bleeding that you attach a hose to the bleeder, fill up a cup or something similar half way with hydraulic fluid and submerge the hose in it. That will make sure no air goes back up the tube and into your lines.

 

[captd108]

well i just checked it out...its leaking from the pedal area so i guess that means i need a new master cylinder. Im jsut debating on wether or not i should do it myslef or take it to the dealer since i need to have as little down time as possible and im not too familiar with this type of job, especially the bleeding part...

 

[captd108]

also, am i doing any major damage if i continue driving it?, it is my daily driver, and i can still get it to engage in gear for now.

 

[RT-AWD]

Yes, you are doing damage if your master cylinder is leaking your clutch disk isn't getting the amount of fluid it needs which causes shifting to be difficult. This can cause clutch damage, and you don't want that.

 

[Simpleman1]

Might damage your syncros also.

 

[spyderturbo007]

well i just checked it out...its leaking from the pedal area so i guess that means i need a new master cylinder. Im jsut debating on wether or not i should do it myslef or take it to the dealer since i need to have as little down time as possible and im not too familiar with this type of job, especially the bleeding part...

It's easy to do and will save you some money. The only thing that sucks is having to be upside down under the dash for 15 minutes. All the blood rushes to your head.

Anyway, we can talk you through the bleeding part if you need help. You'll just need a 2nd person to push the clutch in and fill up the master with fluid.