Clutch pedal stix....easy to answer?

BillyDee · 03-05-2003, 12:02 PM

Just bought a 1988 538e (85,000 miles) for $600, and the clutch used to stick halfway down, and I would pull it back up. Now its to the floor, with no sign of coming back...any help? Por Favor?

Bob540iA · Bob540iA's Garage

These clutches are hydraullically operated.
A common problem is the master and/or slave cylinders leak.
They use the brake fluid reservoir for the source of fluid.
Chech the level of the brake fluid. If it is below the level of the tube outlet to the clutch cylinders you should fill it up (DOT 4) and see if this gets the clutch working.
You should be able to see any leaks from the cylinders. The master is under the dash, attached to the clutch pedal, and you will usually see the fluid running down onto the carpet.
The slave is located under the car on the bell housing. This may be harder to determine if it is leaking as any other leaks (i.e. oil) may be obscuring it.
The R & R of these units is pretty straight forward. They need to be bled after replacement.

Javier at Pelican Parts · 03-05-2003, 12:40 PM

Start by checking the mastet cylinder, slave cyl, bushings on the pedal, also clutch fork, release bearing.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-05-2003, 12:54 PM

Something is stuck somewhere. I would first check the clutch master cylinder for fluid, then the slave cyl. Check the hose for leaks as well. I'm thinking more that this has something to do with the clutch pedal bushings. They might be stuck.

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 10:23 AM

I dont think the bushings are stuck, because it doesnt "stick" in the down position, it fell...its limp now. I can pull it up and let it drop freely. And you say the Master Cylinder is actually inside under the dash. Strange. I guess all my previous experience with VW's can be thrown out of the window!

Thanks for all your help guys!

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-06-2003, 10:23 AM

Sounds like it could be the master cylinder. How is th pedal pressure when you push it?

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 10:54 AM

Actually, I just found the problem. Seems the rubber hose that is directly to the slave has a small hole...problem found. Now before I go wrenching away and doing somthing stupid, I ask this. Is this a straight forward removal? Just un bolt the hose, go get a new one and then bleed the system? And is bleeding this system just like brake bleeding? I noticed a little bleed nipple at the slave.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-06-2003, 10:59 AM

Yup, you pretty much have it.

Change the hose, fill the reservoir, then bleed like you would bleed brakes. I reccomend putting a clear plastic hose over the bleed nipple, then run it into a jar filled halfway with brake fluid. Have a friend pump the clutch pedal a few times to build up pressure, then have him hold the pedal down as far as possible. While he is holding the pedal down, open the bleeder valve and let the new fluid drain through. I like using the Ate Super Blue fluid. when the fluid in the line turns blue, you know the old fluid has been pushed out. Keep repeating this porcess until all the air bubbles flow out of the line, and you see just straight fluid coming out. Be sure to also keep a eye on the fluid level in the reservoir.

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 11:02 AM

Wow, the response time rocks! I have a one man bleeder somewhere in my room I think I'll use. Blue Ate eh? Sounds like a good aid, the brown to blue. So would it be a VERY BAD idea to take the slave off to get to that hose? Space is sparce down there.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-06-2003, 11:06 AM

If you can get the hose off without removing the slave, that is the ideal situation. If you have to remvoe the slave, just keep in mind how everything goes back together.

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 11:16 AM

Nice. That I will try. Maybe I'll jack the other side up and get a shop lite under there. Thanks for all the help....in this post. Now I got to go post again.

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 02:56 PM

I am having trouble finding this part online. What part is it exactly? i went to the dealership, they wanted like 60 bux for it, thats why I'm looking on the internet. But I find that all it says is "clutch hose" I would hate to buy the wrong part.

Javier at Pelican Parts · 03-06-2003, 03:05 PM

It's called a clutch pressure hose assy. slave to master cylnder e-mail javier@pelicanparts.com

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 03:07 PM

I am about to buy part number PPE-I3020-33320 and then the Ate brake fluid from your site. Is this the correct part? And if I get it Next Day, Fed-Ex will I get it Saturday or do I still have to wait until Monday?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-06-2003, 05:26 PM

Javier found the correct part. Get in touch with him and he will get you set up.

BillyDee · 03-06-2003, 10:33 PM

ugh, someone started using the computer and finsihed the order for me.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-07-2003, 12:11 PM

Im a bit confused, so you already placed your order?

BillyDee · 03-07-2003, 12:25 PM

sadly yes. I was looking around the website, set up a page to place the order. But i wasnt going to place it until I knew. Then when I got back from the store someone got on, finished the order and shut down the computer.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-07-2003, 12:26 PM

did you want to cancel it?

BillyDee · 03-07-2003, 12:26 PM

if it is not the right part, yes.