Clutch Problems

TNT25169 · 12-09-2003, 08:41 PM

I went to get in my car yesterday after having it covered for the almost 2 months. When I got in the car, the clutch pedal was on the floor. I tried lifting it up by hand but it fell back down again. I am going to assume that I am leaking fluid. Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Any advice that anyone can give me?

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

I had the same thing happen after storage one year. It was the clutch slave cylinder. The dust boot was torn which caused dirt to lodge in the seal. This allowed all the brake fluid to slowly drain out. The slave cylinder is located near the starter underneath the car. I would also check all the hoses from the resevoir to the slave cylinder. Caution: I would not pump the brakes before you refill the brake resevoir since the clutch and brakes are fed off the same container. If you do you will have to add a brake bleed to the job.

mlue · 12-09-2003, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TNT25169
Any advice that anyone can give me?

This is getting common as the cars get older. Do a search on "clutch slave cylinder" and you will get all the info you need.

Mark
'86 944NA

speedy007 · speedy007's Garage

the master cylinder has a built in dam inside of the resivoir to save your brakes in case of clutch leakage, but dont use it, emergency only.

Manute · 12-09-2003, 11:28 PM

So,as a consequence,is it desirable to pump the clutch pedal from time to time when you store the car?

speedy007 · speedy007's Garage

maybe a couple times a year.

TNT25169 · 12-21-2003, 10:00 PM

Can anyone help me out? I need to know where all of my fluid is leaking from and I don't have any fluid currently. Thanks.

Britwrench · 12-21-2003, 10:25 PM

Doesn't matter where it's leaking from (unless it's the hose) because you will be changing the master and slave cylinders together..won't you?

TNT25169 · 12-22-2003, 09:04 AM

That's the problem though. I inted to change both cylinders but I don't know if the hose is the problem. Any suggestions on finding out if it is the hose?

Zero10 · 12-22-2003, 09:14 AM

Yep, look at it.
Sorry, that was too tempting.
The hose tends to leak at the fittings, most often at least, however you should check the entire length of it, it runs from the clutch master, by the brake booster/master cylinder, on the firewall, driver's side, a little tough to see, right down to the slave cylinder, located underneath the car.
First things to do, check out the hose, although usually it's alright, then check both your master and slave cylinder for leakage, for the slave, just look at it, pull the boot back (I can't recall if it has a boot) and look in there if you can. For the master, look up underneath the dash, and pull the boot back on it, check for fluid.
You will most likely find fluid leaking on the master, just because it's so damn hard to change.

Frank B · 12-22-2003, 09:56 AM

Start your car (out of gear) then fill the reservoire. pressure will build up. push/pull the clutch pedal until you get some resistance, then pump it until it starts to engage disengage the clutch... then drive to a garage (with fluid in the reservoire) get it up in the air, and swap out the slave cylinder even if it's not the actual problem, because it will be the problem shortly (they wear out). check all hoses especially the hose coming from the reservoire. Then power wash the underside of your car, Brake fluid is highly corrosive and will eat through just about anything, given enough time to do so.
Good luck,
Frank B

TNT25169 · 12-24-2003, 01:43 PM

ok, I started the car and pump the clutch pedal many times and it springed back and forth both ways (up/down) but it never grew and resistance going down. Help? I think I am going to order both cylinders tonight from Paragon Products. Hopefully I will have them shortly after the first of the year.

Frank B · 12-24-2003, 05:04 PM

Was there fluid in the reservoire before/after your attempt to build pressure?
Ordering new cylinders is a great idea. Check all of the hoses also. Depending on where the leak has occured, there may be residual damage due to the brake fluid being very corrosive. Good luck man, have a nice holiday.
Frank B

Britwrench · 12-24-2003, 05:24 PM

Nice to see you supporting the company that provides this BBS.

Frank B · 12-24-2003, 05:40 PM

?

TNT25169 · 12-24-2003, 07:18 PM

He's pissed because I'm not buying it from Pelican Parts, I can get it from zims for $4 cheaper than pelican parts....we'll see....