Clutch Soft Suddenly

[Artago]

Hi all, got a problem.

Was driving along and all of a sudden I hear a noise and the clutch went all soft. I can still throw it into gear (engages at the top of pedal travel) but the clutch is 5 times softer than it was before.

Things I've checked.

Clutch fluid is full.

Removed the fork boot and checked the pressure plate. All finger are there and accounted for.

Bled the clutch system.

New slave and master cylinder.



What could cause a soft clutch that still engages??

Thanks,

Tom

 

[wraoffroad]

sometimes an air bubble can form in those lines try bleeding it first.

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

sometimes an air bubble can form in those lines try bleeding it first.

Exactly what I was gonna say

 

[Artago]

Done. Road test to follow tomorrow. Stay tuned...

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

When my car just out of the blue got a soft clutch, it turned out to be the but on the back of the clutch pedal loosened up. The car could barely disengage. Thats what it was. I would check that. It may need readjusting.

If you've never ran into the problem before, id highly doubt its an air bubble. Its thats the case, you have a leak. I would also remove the stock line and get a extremepsi replacement for the whole clutch line.

 

[TurboAnything]

The pressure plate diaphragm can crack and the pedal will get a lot softer. Look in at the fingers are they all lined up with the TOB? If not then the plate is busted. Just happened to a friends 2g with a brand new ACT2600.

 

[Artago]

When my car just out of the blue got a soft clutch, it turned out to be the but on the back of the clutch pedal loosened up. The car could barely disengage. Thats what it was. I would check that. It may need readjusting.

If you've never ran into the problem before, id highly doubt its an air bubble. Its thats the case, you have a leak. I would also remove the stock line and get a extremepsi replacement for the whole clutch line.

I hope it's as simple as that. I'll check it out.

The pressure plate diaphragm can crack and the pedal will get a lot softer. Look in at the fingers are they all lined up with the TOB? If not then the plate is busted. Just happened to a friends 2g with a brand new ACT2600.

They all appear to line up except a few seem to be like half a millimeter off but I could just be imagining it.

How can I check for this without removing the tranny?

 

[JusMX141]

I vote Master Cylinder problem.

Something in the Master Cylinder gave out and is allowing some fluid to bypass the main chamber instead of being pressurized and push toward the Slave Cylinder.

If you cannot remember the last time the Clutch Master was changed, I would do so at this time.

 

[Artago]

I vote Master Cylinder problem.

Something in the Master Cylinder gave out and is allowing some fluid to bypass the main chamber instead of being pressurized and push toward the Slave Cylinder.

If you cannot remember the last time the Clutch Master was changed, I would do so at this time.

It has never been replaced.

Is there any way I can check the master? Some kind of test?

F it. I bought a new master and slave. Installing them now...

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Check for leaks in the engine bay or around the floor by your feet.

 

[Artago]

Check for leaks in the engine bay or around the floor by your feet.

No leaks found. But I removed the slave and noticed something strange. It wasn't returning the rod fully. I pushed the piston in with my finger and it only came back half way. I ended up pushing it in and out until the slave squirted a bunch of fluid all over me. I think there was something jammed in it.

I'm not sure if this was the problem but I'm hoping it was.

In any case, I have the new master and new slave installed. I'm just waiting for my buddy to show up so we can bleed the system.

I'll post back once that's done.

Tom

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Check that nut on the back. Make sure you adjust the rod in the back too once its bled. The rod wont push back unless you have the master properly adjusted. Thats why i say check that out.

 

[Artago]

Yup, will do. I just finished watching Jack's video on the subject to refresh my memory.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

You know my paypal. Just send the money over whenever. Thanks. :thumbs:

 

[Artago]

Ok so the new master and slave are in. The whole system was bled and re-bled.

Clutch is still soft. I went for a test drive and the clutch is slipping horribly. Any time I gave it some throttle it would slip immediately.

So I'm starting to think the problem is with the clutch itself. Maybe cracked or warped pressure plate or disk?

Tom

 

[TurboAnything]

If your pressure plate diaphragm is cracked the thats 3 i know of in 1 week all ACT. I think i need to give them a call.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

You need adjusting. Guarantee its not your PP. You know why. Because you changed shit and now its worse. Adjust that rod until you can barely push on the clutch fork backwards towards the slave.

 

[Artago]

You need adjusting. Guarantee its not your PP. You know why. Because you changed shit and now its worse. Adjust that rod until you can barely push on the clutch fork backwards towards the slave.

I adjusted the rod as per Jack's video. The clutch feels the same as before, it's soft and slips. The engagement point is at the very top of the pedal travel (no change). It must be something else. I did everything correctly and replaced both cylinders.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Can you press the clutch fork back into the slave?

 

[Artago]

If your pressure plate diaphragm is cracked the thats 3 i know of in 1 week all ACT. I think i need to give them a call.

Actually, if it turns out to be a busted PP then it will be MY second ACT PP to take a dump. The first one died because of too much throw. The PP fingers contacted the clutch disk and broke. Here it is:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/drivetrain-tech/351015-act-failed-help-diagnose-warranty-pics.html

That was a 2600, I now run a 2100. If it does turn out to be the PP then I think I'm going to switch to a different clutch, maybe ClutchNet.

I'll start dropping the tranny and get back to you all once I know more.

Tom

Can you press the clutch fork back into the slave?

Yes of course.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Actually, if it turns out to be a busted PP then it will be MY second ACT PP to take a dump. The first one died because of too much throw. The PP fingers contacted the clutch disk and broke. Here it is:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/drivetrain-tech/351015-act-failed-help-diagnose-warranty-pics.html

That was a 2600, I now run a 2100. If it does turn out to be the PP then I think I'm going to switch to a different clutch, maybe ClutchNet.

I'll start dropping the tranny and get back to you all once I know more.

Tom



Yes of course.

PM ME your AIM chat. Ill tell you whats up.

 

[Artago]

PM ME your AIM chat. Ill tell you whats up.

Sent. I had to create an account first

------------------
Update: I re-adjusted the clutch pedal as per Vette_50_TH's advice and no go. The clutch still slips.

I'm going to be dropping the tranny to have a look at it.

 

[Artago]

I dropped the tranny and had a look at the clutch.

Everything appears to be in one piece but the pressure plate and flywheel are glazed on one side. The other side is clean. Also, a few of the PP finger spring don't align with the rest sitting about 1/8" lower than the others.

I'll post pics when I get home from work.

Tom

 

[Artago]

Here are the pics of my clutch.

To see high resolution shots click the thumbnail below (you will be taken to my Google album) where you can click Download to get the full quality shot.

Thanks. Tom.

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<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BMVNgQwDohYndfKEVFUoRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGYN5hwguI/AAAAAAAAIbA/JGPS5XmdXS8/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20006.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PmDWCbjxFutTPbAMl5RvtA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGYddVGYBI/AAAAAAAAIbI/ze99ivdnG9w/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20007.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fFig7WOTcGIlZSlXxjbfwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGYtSW2ZSI/AAAAAAAAIbM/309zmZzIrrs/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20008.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BenO2XCT3N2Vvr2Ltt51bA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGZAAnJZ1I/AAAAAAAAIbU/P6XHmEaZwMU/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20009.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9T90RSjJmI5EDGOLWlH-HA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGZTKDmW3I/AAAAAAAAIbY/XIX5ZXtb4VU/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20010.jpg" /></a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G8jPIIAweqv8gkHebnr2Kw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKGZ4YmXNlI/AAAAAAAAIbg/9EwGliHHJqg/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20011.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Y1EQ2ib_5-EDpbPHqKs7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIZtJd2n6I/AAAAAAAAIb0/xMCwoRa-ScA/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20012.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s4A6ngrN7M-_fgLxOCXHzg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIZtrBsw5I/AAAAAAAAIb4/ymAAsjgQqIc/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20013.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aVyPMpgtk8gQBZoYc89KHg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIZt2Z-JUI/AAAAAAAAIb8/tJk5QXI0/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20014.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3w4BsMUrYqJIXKD8mf4LDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIZuOzPukI/AAAAAAAAIcA/foun0e7hgrc/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20015.jpg" /></a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OTvrhyzz7pYEo6tAJYeGPg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIZuZSpNOI/AAAAAAAAIcE/XltVuU1-I9k/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20016.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LeuVILni48IFvXFiAhhMWw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIaj8YyWWI/AAAAAAAAIcM/BxHzHGLz-uU/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20017.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s9RBfKg74qn5bz0CZO0bRQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIakLXsFWI/AAAAAAAAIcQ/wN_HOVUH428/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20018.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3vR5X6wDdjXaFy-rYPPRlg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIakrfL_OI/AAAAAAAAIcU/z1Udtck0Z_0/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20019.jpg" /></a></td><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GUQjtOczhDRK3k37kgiMTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_unmMjGO_WlM/TKIakxnY9BI/AAAAAAAAIcY/8UxIMUKdhCc/s144/ACT%20Clutch%20020.jpg" /></a></td></tr></table>

 

[Deuce_three]

did you see if the fork is in good shape?