Oh dear my clutch is being weird now :\ Options

[alex1981]

For some reason it seems that loads of issues are coming up all at the same time...my wallet is not happy in the slightest!

I will try to explain my issue, this time, with my clutch. The biting point has moved so its right down low..sometimes I can barely change gear. Sometimes if I pull up at a junction, I cannot get it out of gear as the pedal appears stuck...or if I got to change from 1st to 2nd, its stuck in second with the pedal down...so I either have to flick the clutch pedal up with my foot, or turn the car off...which makes me look like a complete numpty!

If after the clutch has got stuck down, if I "pump" the clutch, the biting point returns to near normal again - but not for very long (I am talking a few miles). No visible loss in clutch fluid. If I clamp off the slave cylinder it returns as expected and air does not bypass. So took it into the garage for them to have a quick look..kerrching! They confirmed that they do not think its the slave cylinder either...but they can hear an odd noise coming from the clutch...and they think that *might* might be the fault. However, my clutch is not slipping, and its a clutch that was fitted less than 10000 miles ago so I am really hoping its not that and its jsut some other random noise . My only other idea is to completely bleed the system of fluid and try that...or perhaps its the master cylinder? In which case how would I test that before forking out for a new one? I dont suppose there is a way of testing it really.

(Car is 1996 Celica ST205 GT4)

Thanks

Alex

[jordisonjr]

I was leaning towards something to do with your master cylinder or slave cylinder, but then you said the shop checked those.
Could this may be a broken spring within the clutch? I think another member has had a simlar problem but can't remember who.
Anyone else have any ideas?

[Smaay]

its the master. it needs to be rebuilt.

[3WayStunna]

Had similar problems more than once. Swapped 2 master cylinders, rebuilt a third, and 3 slave cylinders. In the end, it turned out to be a destroyed throwout bearing. Wasnt too happy the second time around. Can you describe the noise coming from around the clutch?

If i were you right now i would work the cheapest things on down.

1:) bleed the system
2:) swap out the master or slave, or rebuild them etc.
3:) take out off the slave cylinder, then the little rubber boot that goes around the fork and investigate INSIDE the bellhousing...or you can just take off your starter and look inside...just to make sure your TOB isnt gone.

Worste comes to worste you would have to take the transmission back out and see whats going on. Anywho, try to be investigative with this. Can you hear any sounds when you push in on the clutch? Is your fluid black or brown? When the last time you swapped the clutch did anyone let the cylinders sit dry and empty (from what i hear that destroys the seals)...



This post has been edited by 3WayStunna: Jul 19, 2011 - 6:55 PM

[alex1981]

Thanks for all the replies

System has now been completely bled - still same problem
Shop has checked the salve, but not the master yet - I reckon its the master cylinder as well - I have ordered another one - was only £80+VAT for a genuine one...didnt seem much point in getting a seal kit and rebuilding for that price. So I will get that fitted and hope that cures the problem!

By TOB do you mean clutch release bearing? or something else?

The clutch was replace approx 10,000 miles ago...dont know if it would have been left dry as I did not do the job...but it would not suprise me. Sorry, did not take a note of colour of fluid - but I would have noticed it being black last time I topped up I would have thought!

I cannot hear any weird noises when the clutch is pressed down at all when i had it on the road...but the garage assures me there is a noise...I am not so sure about the nise myself, I think it might be unrelated to the clutch! I might see f I can get over there and have a lsiten for myself and report back!

If it was a broken spring, then I would not have thought that pumping the clutch would get good pressure again - I reckon the deal on the master cylinder is being bypassed.

[jordisonjr]

Thanks for all the replies

System has now been completely bled - still same problem
Shop has checked the salve, but not the master yet - I reckon its the master cylinder as well - I have ordered another one - was only £80+VAT for a genuine one...didnt seem much point in getting a seal kit and rebuilding for that price. So I will get that fitted and hope that cures the problem!

By TOB do you mean clutch release bearing? or something else?

The clutch was replace approx 10,000 miles ago...dont know if it would have been left dry as I did not do the job...but it would not suprise me. Sorry, did not take a note of colour of fluid - but I would have noticed it being black last time I topped up I would have thought!

I cannot hear any weird noises when the clutch is pressed down at all when i had it on the road...but the garage assures me there is a noise...I am not so sure about the nise myself, I think it might be unrelated to the clutch! I might see f I can get over there and have a lsiten for myself and report back!

If it was a broken spring, then I would not have thought that pumping the clutch would get good pressure again - I reckon the deal on the master cylinder is being bypassed.

TOB stands for throw out bearing. Same thing as clutch release bearing, just different name.

[alex1981]

Ah, thought so

It was the master cylinder by the way...crikey its way better now, I must have been getting used to how rubbish it was!