Clutch not disangeging

[Elina75]

The clutch in my 1993 VR4 stopped working today.. almost hit a wall when after starting the car and holding the clutch down while in the first gear, the car suddenly jumped forward like if I had lifted the clutch pedal... jumped to the brake and managed to stop the car before hitting the wall.

The clutch is probably worn out, but has worked fine so far nevertlehess.

After the incident I pressed the clutch pedal and there was some stiffness and pressure left, but the clutch wasn't disengaging. After few presses there's now no pressure at all. the pedal goes down to the botton without any resistance, but comes back up when released. I checked there were no leaks showing, but still the clutch master cylinder was dry. No fluid at all showing.

I will try to bleed the clutch tomorrow, but does it sound like a slow leak somewhere or something else?? What could cause this sudden complete loss of clutch?


I have a new Fidanza clutch already waiting, but don't have time for that right now, so I would like to check everything else first...

EDIT: anyone have the part number for the slave cylinder, in case it turns out to be that.

[92stealth15g]

if your master is dry, put fluid in and bleed. you should be fine. Mine did exactly the same thing, but i had fluid. I replaced the slave and it was worn out but didnt really help the problem. It turns out it needed a new clutch. Since your master is dry im almost positive that putting fluid in and bleeding it will fix the problem. If it is leaking, you probably will want to replace the slave.. if you want a slave cylinder you can get it off 3sx.com:

http://www.3sx.com/store/comersus_vi...dProduct=24254

I personally just went to the parts store and ordered it. took a day to get it in and it was only $50.

[Elina75]

Yeah I'll see tomorrow when I have time to take the intake, battery etc out, what is going on. Hopefully it's only the clutch hose or slave cylinder leaking, just it looks strange that the clutch went from "fine" to "dead" in one moment, if it's just a slow leak somewhere there.

Unfortunately the local shops have no 3KGT parts, any of them, and ordering takes a month or so. I have stuff from US (3SX among others), coming about every month, and will definitely order some clutch spare parts the next time (luckily I had one Fidanza clutch package, in case that is needed). Only now I need the car running next week, and it takes some time to get parts from US to over here...

Originally Posted by 92stealth15g

if your master is dry, put fluid in and bleed. you should be fine. Mine did exactly the same thing, but i had fluid. I replaced the slave and it was worn out but didnt really help the problem. It turns out it needed a new clutch. Since your master is dry im almost positive that putting fluid in and bleeding it will fix the problem. If it is leaking, you probably will want to replace the slave.. if you want a slave cylinder you can get it off 3sx.com:

http://www.3sx.com/store/comersus_vi...dProduct=24254

I personally just went to the parts store and ordered it. took a day to get it in and it was only $50.

[JeffWVR4]

Thsi sounds like a catastrophick hydraulic issue rather than a slow leak. sounds like you blew a seal in either the master or the slave cylinder, or the hose busted open. I doubt bleeding will solve the problem, but it may show you where the leak is. For Master cylinder leakage, the fluid will drain donw the insdie of the firewall and puddle up under the driver's side carpet. It's easy to miss if youre not looking for it specifically.

[92stealth15g]

yes, either way, its better to have to replace the slave or the master than replace the clutch. good luck.

[Elina75]

Originally Posted by JeffWVR4

Thsi sounds like a catastrophick hydraulic issue rather than a slow leak. sounds like you blew a seal in either the master or the slave cylinder, or the hose busted open. I doubt bleeding will solve the problem, but it may show you where the leak is. For Master cylinder leakage, the fluid will drain donw the insdie of the firewall and puddle up under the driver's side carpet. It's easy to miss if youre not looking for it specifically.

On the other hand there were no spilled or leaked fluid to be seen anywhere, if it was a sudden bust it should be visible somewhere...

Well, today had some time to investigate this, and everything looked fine and clean around both the cylinders. Bleeded it and the clutch was working, but something was definitely leaking as there were clear splashes of fluid in the firewall after this. Turned out to be the hose, a very small leak there. Made a quick fix and it's at least working and not leaking now. Should hold over the christmas time and then going to swap to a new ss-braided hose:

http://mitsu3000gt.qnet.fi/hose.jpg

Thanks for the hints everybody.

[jbavousett]

Broken fork...bad throwout bearing?

[92stealth15g]

Originally Posted by jbavousett

Broken fork...bad throwout bearing?

absolutly not if bleeding worked.

[Elina75]

Originally Posted by 92stealth15g

absolutly not if bleeding worked.

Yeah, it was the hose. A tiny leak there, see the pics. With the pressure (anyone know how much there IS pressure, over 10 bar?) it spills fluids out quickly. It's kind of working now, but I need to replace the fixed hose asap anyway.