Slave Cylinder/clutch fluid???

[bertz]

tonight when i shifted into third, it felt like the clutch went out (wouldn't go into any gear). so i turned it off and had to rpm match it to get home. not to mention it was a 50 mile trip home... does anyone have an idea if it was just my clutch fluid being low or if my slave cylinder went out. ik the clutch fluid comes out of 2 reseviors, i think the brake fluid and one other that i cant remember maybe the master cylinder or clutch master cylinder. any help on this would be appreciated. if it matters i drive a 93 K8 v6 5speed.

[vansolrick]

Did you check your fluid levels? Check for fluid leak behind the clutch pedal? Does your clutch pedal feel really, really light as if it's not grabbing anything at all?

[SuperK]

the clutch shares the brake fluid reservoir.

Check your clutch slave cylinder and push it in with your hands, see if it's leaking.

[bertz]

Did you check your fluid levels? Check for fluid leak behind the clutch pedal? Does your clutch pedal feel really, really light as if it's not grabbing anything at all?

yah light as a feather...

[wytbishop]

Most likely blew a seal in either the clutch master or slave cylinder. Possible that a line broke, either one of the hard lines, or the flixible line. ONe way or another there will be a fluid leak and you ought to be able to find it. Start at the pedal and look for fluid there. Then start at the firewall where the clutch master is bolted to the wall. The fluid originates at the brake master and then the hard line goes from the clutch master all the way to the slave cylinder on the front of the tranny. Just follow the lines and look for the wet spot. That will give you an idea what component failed. Then you will have to replace it and bleed the system.

[bertz]

yahh actually looked at it today the clutch fork is vibrating so it is the slave cylinder. part should come in tomorrow and ill have it fixed...

[wytbishop]

I wouldn't be so hasty. A leak anywhere in the system would release the pressure in the clutch slave cylinder...making the throw out lever loose. Just because the clutch fork is rattling doesn't mean that's the location of the leak.

[vansolrick]

Look under your hood directly at the front of the tranny (right in the front sitting inches from the radiator). If you look down there should be a little boot which is connected to your clutch slave cylinder. Pull it off from left to right and see if there is any grime/fluid in there. If there is, then it's most likely a leak inside the cylinder. If that's the case, the repair kit shouldn't be expensive nor difficult to do.

[bertz]

Look under your hood directly at the front of the tranny (right in the front sitting inches from the radiator). If you look down there should be a little boot which is connected to your clutch slave cylinder. Pull it off from left to right and see if there is any grime/fluid in there. If there is, then it's most likely a leak inside the cylinder. If that's the case, the repair kit shouldn't be expensive nor difficult to do.

yahh ik were thats at lol thats also where the clutch fork is and its in pretty much the exact area and i dont recall there being any fluid draining or leaking.

[wytbishop]

As I said, the leak could be anywhere and the slave cylinder would lose pressure. If the clutch master cylinder piston seal ripped, the rubber boot on the slave cylinder would push the fluid back to the brake reservoir. So you might not even find the leak.

If you can’t find the leak remove the clutch master cylinder and take it apart. It’s just one snap ring. You will be able to tell if the seal is good or not.

[bertz]

ok so i bought my clutch master cylinder today but have no idea where its at haha. sorry never really cared for the placement of this part. can anyone tell me where its at?

[bertz]

nevermind i found it but i cant get the stupid p.o.s off, i got the main bolt off but i cant get to the small bolt my only thing i could see is that it might connect straight to the clutch pedal behind it but im not 100% sure and didn't want to take it apart if i didn't have to.

[wytbishop]

There is a nut outside the firewall and a second nut inside the firewall behind the pedal assembly. You have to remove both. Then, when you install the new one make sure to line the push rod up so that it engages the master cylinder as you slide it through the firewall.

Good luck bleeding it.

[vansolrick]

Yeah the other one is hard to see its right behind the clutch pedal. Using and extension on a ratcheting socket wrench should make it painless. Good luck. If you have any trouble with removing the clutch lines and you end up rounding them, you can use a vice grip to remove and reapply them. I know what I'm saying is pretty dumbed down, and I'm sure it's common sense, but I'll throw it out there just so it's out there.

[bertz]

so quick question ive been working all week and havn't had time to mess with my car. if my slave cylinder boot moves when i engage my clutch then my master clutch cylinder should be fine correct?