Clutch stopped working - series of events (cleaning engine bay, replaced BOV)

[ErikTande]

My clutch stopped working today, it pushes to the floor and stays there. I can grab it with my hand and pop it back, but it doesn't work or actually engage the clutch. I did some searching, and from what I can tell I'll need to bleed the system and install a new Master and Slave cylinder. Does that sound about right?

Do I need an OEM one? They're $140 on extreme psi
EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts

But I can get aftermarket ones for like $40 at my local parts store. Is it worth getting the OEM?


Here's what led up to it today:

I cleaned my engine bay with degreaser and a light pressure wash rinse today, drove it home, noticed some fluid in one of the spark plug cylinders (I could hear it bubbling), but that drained out on it's own. I drove it around some more to make sure it was ok, and it was running fine. So I parked it and started working on it for my original purpose of replacing the crappy knock off, non recirculated BOV that was on the car when I bought it and re-mount the catch can. I replaced it with an OEM BOV. Again, no problems immediately after. I drove around some more, ran some errands, got some food. Then on my way home is when the clutch problem happened.

I took some video after I cleaned the bay and drove home (I heard some bubbling so I grabbed my camera). I'll post it here in about 30 minutes (going to edit some clips together)

**EDIT** Video added.

[ame]http://youtu.be/_LOsVRS02Ls[/ame]

 

[Calan]

Check the reservoir and look for a fluid leak. My guess is that with all that cleaning and working on various things, you created a hydraulic leak somewhere or let air in the system. I doubt if you killed the master or slave just by working on what you mentioned, unless it's just a weird coincidence. (Not that replacing them anyway would be a bad thing if they are old).

 

[ErikTande]

Yeah, that seems likely. I'm going to have someone look at it tomorrow morning while I'm at work. I added the random video I took today to the original post. I hope it's not too confusing.

Any opinion on non OEM master and slave cylinders? I mean, for $40 I'll just replace them. But if I need to spend $140 on OEM ones, I might hold off if I can.


And yes, that hose was plugged with a small screwdriver by the previous owner. It still has the various tips in the handle. So, free screwdriver! Hooray!

 

[Calan]

Any opinion on non OEM master and slave cylinders?

These are components where going OEM is definitely recommended. With that said, I've had decent luck with certain non-OEM units, and bad luck with others. I've been running the same Beck/Arnley brake master for about 4 years now with no issues, but my clutch master is OEM.

If you want to be safe, spend the $$$ and go OEM.

 

[91-GS]

Is there any back pressure on the pedal as you push it? How's the fluid level? Any oily spots on the ground where the car sits?

Start by bleeding the system. It's the cheapest and possibly simplest thing to do at this point. Slide a clean piece of cardboard under the car while doing that so you will see right away if there are any leaks.

If you do find a sign of a leak but can not locate it, get some chalk powder. Sprinkle said powder over the area where you think the leak is to make it easier to see leaking fluid. The engine bay will be a mess, but should be easy to rinse off after you'r done.

Congradulations on the free screwdriver

 

[mrslow]

For the clutch master I would recommend against Duralast, the last few I had leaked inside the cabin. OEM would probably be your best bet if you do replace it.

 

[ErikTande]

Thanks for the help. I'm at work all day so I dropped it off at Brakes Plus, they're checking it out now. They include parts warranty if the master or slave cylinder need to be replaced, I'll post here again when they figure out what the problem is.

 

[Ghost_92TSi]

I believe Jack's tranmission says to ONLY use OEM master, So if you are balling on a budget at least do that and maybe skimp and get an aftermarket slave. But ALL OEM would be best.

 

[ErikTande]

Just got a call from Brakes Plus, master cylinder seems fine, slave cylinder is leaking like crazy and needs to be replaced. They can do the part, labor and a year warranty for under $200, so I said go ahead. I'll post again when it's done and final just in case they find anything else when they bleed it.

 

[GSLENK]

You got bent over on that. Sorry.

A new oem slave that will last longer, and guaranteed to perform correctly, costs ~$64.

This is as easy as an oil change to do. Actually easier, if the filter was put on too tight.

(don't mean to sound like a dick, but live and learn?)

 

[Calan]

You got bent over on that.

Badly.

...and as easy as the slave is to swap out, it's the one thing you could take a chance on with a cheaper one. I've been running a clutch slave that I got at O'Reilly's for around $30 I think, for at least three years now. The only thing wrong with it is the boot is torn, which I discovered when pulling the trans the other day.

But since it has a lifetime warranty, I'll go get a new one.

 

[Ghost_92TSi]

Two bolts anda banjo and the thing is off, just need a second person to help you bleed it and pull the petal up while you or them is under there tightening the bleed fitting. I'm ghetto and use a glass coke bottle and a hose I think that came with some differential oil.

 

[Calan]

...just need a second person to help you bleed it and pull the petal up while you or them is under there tightening the bleed fitting.

Get one of these and do it by yourself in half the time.

 

[ErikTande]

You got bent over on that. Sorry.

A new oem slave that will last longer, and guaranteed to perform correctly, costs ~$64.

This is as easy as an oil change to do. Actually easier, if the filter was put on too tight.

(don't mean to sound like a dick, but live and learn?)

I'm not. I don't have the time, tools, garage space or experience doing engine work. This would have likely taken me 6 hours and a lot of swearing to do. I'll take a 2 hour freelance job on the weekend and spend two hours doing something I'm good at and enjoy to pay for the labor.

 

[delta448]

Linky no worky Craig.

Try one of these:
MV8000

MV8000 at Northern Tool

 

[Calan]

I ninja edited it zack. You probably clicked it without updating the page.

 

[Calan]

I don't have the time, tools, garage space or experience doing engine work.

You picked the wrong car then.

 

[ErikTande]

You picked the wrong car then.

Ha, probably true. I love this car though, it's worth it. I do smaller maintenance things myself when I have time, but when something comes up like not having a working clutch, I need it fixed promptly and correctly, which isn't me at the moment.

On the other hand, if you need some VFX of a 3D car, give me a call.

 

[ErikTande]

Marked this as resolved. The slave cylinder needed to be replaced (it was leaking badly). Problem fixed!

This weekend I'm going to seafoam, change my oil (even though it was just done) and change my spark plugs and wires to make sure I don't have any moisture or anything left from the pressure wash.

Thanks for the help!