StrangEST Clutch Issue

[skyhawk5421]

I say strangest because there are a million threads out there where the OP just needs a new slave/master cylinder. Both of mine are brand new.

Problem: If I push lightly and slowly on the clutch it will go all the way to the floor with little(one finger) resistance and not disengage the clutch. But, if I push it quicker there is tons of resistance and the clutch functions normally. I have actually trained myself to drive this way but I'm sick of hearing "uhhh, your clutch is broke dude"

With the pedal assist spring attached it will stay on the floor, with it removed it will come slowly.

I've bled and re-bled with my motive power bleeder, pump-pressure method, and by raising the car and using gravity, never any change.

The slave and master cylinder are new because the slave cylinder failed on the way home one day so I replaced both. I'm not sure if I had this problem before that


I may make a video showing this, it's so annoying!

[Slam]

Annoying, eh? (today's Canadianism...)

Did you replace the fluid line between the master and slave? I'd drop the starter and check for fluid leaks - just because you put in new parts doesn't always mean they're in perfect shape.

Could also be the TO bearing hanging on the guide tube. I can't recall if you can get to this through the starter hole, but you may be able to put off pulling the clutch out by greasing the guide tube if it is the issue. This seems less likely, though. Clutch fork bearings could be binding as well. Still, my guess is somewhere with the hydraulics.

Is the pedal bent? Rusted to the mount? Binding on the carpet? Wrong spring (pushing instead of pulling)? I'm looking forward to seeing how this one ends.

[skyhawk5421]

I guess I didn't explain myself very well and a video is in order. I agree it's probably something with the hydraulics because when the pedal goes soft there is no movement on the clutch fork through the inspection hole.

I did not replace that line, maybe I will, what the heck

[968 GUY]

You might as well replace the line from resevoir to master. Sometimes it can have tiny perforations or leak at the connections.

[kfanazini]

The first thing would be re-bleed the clutch.

[skyhawk5421]

Oh trust me, it's been bled.

There are also no leaks anywhere, they must not be porsche parts

[grendiers]

Same thing happened on my 924 turbo, new brake, clutch master, and slave cylinders too. Easy to push clutch to floor with no effort. A hard push with foot produced pressure in the system. Two seconds later, no pressure. I thought I had bled the piss out of it myself, but, using my bleeder on the back two brakes for the umpteenth time, I have a clutch. Better start bleeding~!

[Rasta Monsta]

Here's a wacky thought. . .how about the fluid supply line from the brake reservoir? Could it be swollen/clogged?

[skyhawk5421]

The fluid line was replaced when the master and slave were replaced

I suppose it's time to bleed the brakes again anyway, I'll try that next

[kfanazini]

Why don't you tell us what your method is for bleeding, maybe you are not bleeding correctly.

Originally Posted by skyhawk5421

The fluid line was replaced when the master and slave were replaced

I suppose it's time to bleed the brakes again anyway, I'll try that next

[skyhawk5421]

Read my original post, I've done it all man

[Slam]

As mentioned, there are 2 fluid lines - one from the reservoir to the master and one from the master to the slave. Perhaps it's the one you didn't change?

[skyhawk5421]

I believe I've discovered the problem. When I push the pedal slowly the fluid resivor fills up more, but doesn't when I push quickly, because the fluid is then going to the slave cylinder.

Obviously there needs to be a check valve inside the master cylinder to allow fluid to go in but not out when pushing in the clutch. My guess is my el-cheapo master cylinder has an el-cheapo slave cylinder that sticks unless there is a quick change in pressure forcing it closed.

Just goes to show, you get what you pay for!


Slam: I didn't suspect that it was either of the lines because there is no leakage, and the clutch works 100% and holds pressure perfectly if I push it quickly

[Slam]

Glad you sorted this one! It's true that you can't always assume new parts are good.

[Ederd]

I sent you a few PM's about some parts and still wanting to know if you have them for sale

[skyhawk5421]

Just as an update, I installed a new clutch master cylinder today and it solved the issue. Having the old one in my hand confirmed the issue, fluid was traveling up the feed line. The new one from autozone is the same brand name though . At least this time I have a lifetime warranty

[PorscheChef]

I had the same problem. I bought a master off of pelican and had to buy a replacement two months later. I had to actually take the care to the Porsche dealership to have them diagnose what it was. The seals were bad even though it was new. Thank god I do independant contract work for them and it doesn't cost me the usual $185 an hour.