Lost my clutch completely

BlueRooster · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 05:08 AM

Since I got the car 1 month ago the clutch has gotten progressively worse, until tonight when I started the car and when I tried to put the car in gear the tranny would not let me put it in gear. I noticed that the pedal did not have full travel, so I looked into the footbox and noticed the pedal sat low. I pumped it and it didnt seem to get any stiffer or sit any higher. I had my wife pump the clutch and hold it to the floor. I opened the bleeder the comes out of the bellhousing, and a little fluid came out...it didnt seem to sputter air or anything but now the pedal sits at the floor and will not build any pressure. I am at a roadblock.

BTW it is a hydraulic clutch...everything is inside the bellhousing.

I would really like to talk to someone that has a good knowledge of clutches, if it is possible for me to call and explain this to someone in detail that would be much appreciated.

Dane

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 06:00 AM

It sounds like your master cylinder is sticking. Does the master cylinder piston return all the way? Is there binding in the clutch pivot shaft?

Charlie · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 06:08 AM

I'm no expert, but I went through a similar situation recently. The "progressively worse" comment leads me to believe that you were slowly getting air into the system, like a fitting that wasn't tight, until you finally got so much air that the clutch wouldn't actuate enough to allow the tranny into gear. Go back and check tightness of all visible fittings. Then bleed the clutch and if you are really lucky, then your problem is fixed. If the problem is not fixed, or is fixed for a limited period of time and then returns, then you will have to pull that hydraulic slave cylinder out and check for leaks there. Are you getting any fluid coming out of the bellhousing? That is the obvious sign of a failed throwout bearing failure. Make sure you have a clutch pedal stop. It is really important with a hydraulic slave cylinder. Good luck.

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 07:36 AM

Dane:

It sounds like the check valve inside the master cyl is not functioning. Suggest an overhaul or replacement of it. Remember to "bench bleed" the assembly before installation, then bleed the entire system. Not a big job.

Rick

Cobra20646 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 07:00 PM

Have to go along with Mr. Putnam...... the symptom of the pedal not coming back all the way.....

tie a string to the pedal to allow you to pull the pedal back manually. Then try to pump the pedal (assuming that the m/c piston followed the rod). If it gets hard and releases the clutch, either the return spring is in the master cylinder is shot, or you have some binding in the rod from the pedal to the m/c, or..... but at least you'll have narrowed the problem down.

- Jim -

Jahred · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 07:17 PM

I dunno.....the fact that little or no fluid came out the bleeder valve would suggest to me you are low on fuid......course.....there must be at least a slow leak for it to have gotten low.....

Adding fluid in my set up is a huge pain in the butt.....extremely difficult access. I made some progress today after a few trips to the hardware store. I attached a hose (standard 12 inch greese gun hose) and needle valve to the clutch, along with another foot or two of clear hose, to the hydraulic fluid tank and was able to pump the clutch with my hand and add fluid/bleed clutch all while I watched the system replace air with fluid under the hood..........pretty damn convenient........I need to tear it all down and put in a heavier pressure plate, but this will get me by till I am ready with parts et al............

Anybody having fits with one man clutch bleed issue might give this a try.

hound dog · #7 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 08:18 PM

I may be all wet here, but if you opened the valve while the clutch was on the floor you won't get any fluid out of the bleeder. Then if you let the pedal back up while the bleeder is still open you just suck air into the system and things get worse. Check the fluid resevoir and make sure you have fluid then pull the pedal back up. Open the bleeder valve and have someone push the pedal down (operate by hand if you have to). Close the bleeder valve and then pull the pedal back up. Repeat the process until you get the air out and you have pedal pressure again. Keep an eye on the clutch master cylinder and don't let it run dry.
h dog

Steve R · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2003, 08:44 PM

Mr Rooster,
I checked out your pictures. was that "first ride" picture taken on route 24? I grew up in Florham Park.
Steven

BlueRooster · #9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2003, 06:52 AM

Steve, I was on 287 going south, just south of the rte 24 exit. I was heading to the car show in North Brunswick at Devry. I like that pic...my buddys wife is good with a camera.

I have checked the fluid level every time I cracked open the bleeder. I am going to try to get a pedal today. If I cannot, I think it is time to employ a pro. Doesnt it figure, as soon as the sun comes out the clutch gets b!tchy.

Thank for all your help guys.

Dane

jhaynie · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 06:31 PM

My clutch did that a few hundred miles ago. The bolts that held the clutch fork on inside the bellhousing broke. You could move the fork all around instead of just forwards and backwards.