Clutch pedal sticking
My clutch pedal sticks halfway in traffic or when it is really hot outside.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I have seen this problem before. Since the issue seems to be temperature sensitive, or prevalent during times of heavy use like traffic, it might be the fluid in your clutch master cylinder is getting too hot. The fluid in the clutch master cylinder is actually brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic or "water absorbing". It pulls moisture from the atmosphere over time. Once there is enough water in the system, the boiling point of the fluid is lowered. If the fluid gets too hot, it loses some of its hydraulic properties causing the pedal to feel spongy. The usual repair for this is simply to change the fluid in the clutch master cylinder by bleeding it. I recommend having a professional help you inspect your clutch pedal and determine what repairs are needed for your vehicle.
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Why Is it Sticking? Your clutch pedal connects to its operating system via a cable. If the cable becomes stretched, then it loses some of the tension it needs to work. And if the cable breaks, then the clutch loses its connection and may stay down and fail to rise at all.
There are typically a few different possibilities for why a clutch pedal will stay on the floor. It could be a failed clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder, failed fluid line, or the clutch has failed.
However, sometimes the clutch pedal sticks to the floor for various reasons, including lesser transmission fluid in the vehicle, air bubbles in the hydraulic system of the car, faulty master cylinder of the clutch, damaged clutch cable, and many others.
Clutch slipping symptoms
Squeaking or unusual grumbling noise when pressure is applied. Difficulty changing gears. The clutch pedal feels sticky, is vibrating or appearing to feel spongey or loose.
Sticky or stuck pedal
A clutch that sticks can cause grinding noises or can keep your vehicle from going into gear while a clutch pedal that is stuck to the floor renders your vehicle undriveable. If either of these situations happens to you, a trip to your mechanic is in order.
It is typically an actual pedal located to the left of the clutch. The dead pedal allows for the racer or driver to keep the left foot on the same plane as the clutch, thus making the transition between them smoother and faster. However, the dead pedal still serves no function to the car itself.
Here are some of the main signs your clutch is starting to fail. When you press the clutch pedal, it`s spongy, sticking, vibrating or loose. There`s a squeaking or grumbling noise when the clutch pedal is pressed. You`re able to rev the engine but notice that it`s difficult to accelerate.
Press the clutch as far down as you can and take your foot off. It should come back up to its starting position quickly. However, if it gets stuck or comes up slowly, then it`s starting to wear out. You should also feel even resistance in the pedal as you press it down.
Your clutch uses brake fluid to transmit hydraulic pressure to activate your clutch. Brake fluid adsorbs water from the air meaning that over time this water can corrode internal metal parts such as the inside of the clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder.
Air as cause of malfunction
As far as the hydraulic clutch is concerned, the following symptoms may occur: Change of the pedal travel. Difficulties in disengaging the clutch. Imprecise pedal feel.
Sticky or stuck pedal
A clutch that sticks can cause grinding noises or can keep your vehicle from going into gear while a clutch pedal that is stuck to the floor renders your vehicle undriveable. If either of these situations happens to you, a trip to your mechanic is in order.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I replaced the clutch but the pedal sticks to the ground and won’t go into gear
ANSWER : Hi. It sounds like the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder has gone bad. Both of these components aid in shifting the the car and effect the clutch pedal effectiveness. There could also be the possibility that the throw out bearing is not aligned properly causing this issue as well. I suggest replacing the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder and re-bleeding the system. I think this should solve your issue. We do have certified techs at YourMechanic who can help you with this issue.
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Clutch pedal stays to floor. Replaced master cylinder. Clutch push rod broke. Also do I need to change slave cylinder
ANSWER : If you have an issue with your clutch pedal going to the floor, the slave cylinder is normally the cause of this circumstance.
Also, if the push rod has been broken the first step would be to track down a new one because that push rod is a very necessary part of the clutch pedal system.
Once a new push rod has been located and installed, I would recommend having a new slave cylinder installed as well.
If you are in doubt about this repair, I would recommend having it performed by a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic. One of our mobile technicians will be able to come to your home to diagnose the issue with your clutch pedal and replace your clutch slave cylinder as necessary.
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I can’t go into 4th or 5th gear and clutch does not engage after a recent clutch job, clutch release while in gear does nothing.
ANSWER : I would rule out the axle not being pushed all the way in. That would effect all speeds and gears. That you can engage gears other than 4th and 5th leads me to 2 m possibilities:
1. Shift linkage mis-adjusted.
2. Possible bent shifter fork internally.
1. Shift linkage mis-adjusted.
2. Possible bent shifter fork internally.
If it feels like you can engage 4th and 5th with the engine OFF, then I would lean towards a clutch release issue.
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Soft clutch, topped off clutch fluid reservoir and clutch pedal became firm/springing back on its own.
ANSWER : It is most common for the clutch hydraulic leak to be from a leaking clutch slave cylinder. You should have the clutch hydraulic system inspected by YourMechanic to see why the fluid is getting low. The fluid gets low anytime there is a leak in the system. You may need to have the clutch slave cylinder replaced. If the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder are both need replaced then it is a good idea to have both the clutch master and slave cylinders replaced together as a pair.
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Clutch not working after replacing slave cylinder and master cylinder
ANSWER : Hello. We will be happy to help you with your vehicle. It sounds like you have a problem with your throw out bearing. You would likely need to drop the transmission once again and check that the installation of the throwout bearing is proper. You may also try to peel back the boot around the slave cylinder to see inside of the transmission. By doing so you may be able to see possible damages on the throwout bearing. It will be a great idea to use a stethoscope before you take the vehicle back apart to help pinpoint exactly what portion of the transmission coming from. Another very important thing that you should check are your axle’s, make sure they are seated correctly inside of the transmission.
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My clutch pedal is stuck to the floor. A while back I started hearing noise in my clutch when I pressed it. The car drive fine, th
ANSWER : Your vehicle uses a hydraulically operated clutch system. The first thing to do is check the fluid level in the master cylinder and check for leaks although leaks at the slave cylinder might not be apparent. Internal seal failures can cause the same problem that one might experience (i.e., no clutch operation) with visible leaks and a low fluid level. The noise may be due to a failed clutch release bearing. Due to the noise and the misoperation, if the slave cylinder turns out to be faulty, you will probably need a new clutch as well as hydraulic components. The cause of the fault that you are reporting can be pinpointed if you request a hydraulic clutch system diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this diagnosed and let you know exactly what must be done. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Supportive bar attached to brake pedal interrupts proper braking process
ANSWER : It’s possible to have someone alter the brake pedal or adapt a brake pedal from a different vehicle. You may call around to some customization shops to see if anyone is interested in taking on the project. But first, I would try reaching out to the selling dealer with your concern – especially since it is a new model. Good luck.
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Clutch pedal didn’t engage and slipped when shifting
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2014 Nissan 370Z. It sounds like there may have been a spot of moisture in the light or a component in the clutch hydraulic system may be malfunctioning. Moisture can cause problems during operation when the clutch gets hot and failing hydraulic components can cause the system to lose pressure and slip which will heat up the clutch. If you would like to have this done, a professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the clutch pedal and perform the appropriate repairs.
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