Re: [DML] Clutch Problems

[Soma576@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 5/3/04 10:38:25 PM Central Daylight Time, usndmc@xxxxxxxxx 
writes:


> 
> Hey all, I'm a new owner and I've been lurking for about 2 months, 
> this is my first post. I have a 5-speed and the other day while 
> driving, my clutch stopped responding to the pedal. It used to be 
> relatively stiff but now is soft. I limped home in 1st (luckily I 
> was close to home) and checked the reservoir and it was empty. I 
> added more fluid hoping to see where it was leaking from, but the 
> level does not decrease at all. I pumped the clutch pedal multiple 
> times but there is no visual effect on the fluid in the reservoir. I 
> was hoping to get some advice before I went tooling around to try 
> and pinpoint the problem. Thanks for any advice,
> 
> Dave
> 

Dave,

First:
1. check clutch master cylinder for signs of leakage both by removing the 
master cylinder/fuel spout access cover in the trunk and by checking for seepage 
signs in the passenger compartment in the driver's footwell where the clutch 
pedal goes thru the firewall.  

2. replace OEM plastic clutch hydraulic line with a stainless steel upgrade 
from your favorite vendor

3. check clutch slave cylinder for signs of leakage

4. properly bleed the entire system with Castrol GTLMA Dot-4 brake/clutch 
fluid (available from Pegasus Auto Racing's website if not locally).

the fluid had to go somewhere if the reservoir was empty, so you need to fix 
that before anything else.  after the leaks are fixed, let us know if the 
clutch still doesn't work.  if everything is original, you are probably going to 
need a new hydraulic system soon (clutch line, both cylinders), especially 
after bleeding with fresh fluid.  this is why it is mandatory that you flush the 
system every 2 years, even if the fluid still looks good.

Good Luck!
Andy


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
     dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
     http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/