I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

Symptoms:
Won't go into gear,
Rough start (when in 1st gear),
No shifter play ,
Gear gets stuck in reverse ,
Feels like all gears are "locked out" :

Today I was driving home ( 35mph in 4th gear) when I began to slow down for a turn.
As I slowed down I pressed the clutch pedal to downshift, I pressed the clutch pedal and I heard a semi-loud click noice that came from the either the driver side footwell or below the car where the transmission sits.
After that initial noise, it became extremely difficult to put the car in any gear, including reverse.
The car only goes into gear w

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :

Hello – it sounds like the clutch hydraulics are not functioning properly. Check for adequate fluid level first – the clutch fluid reservoir is near the brake fluid reservoir on the firewall (driver side). If the fluid level is low, most likely the clutch slave cylinder is leaking and should be replaced. If the fluid level is correct, but the clutch will not disengage when you press the pedal, the clutch master cylinder (or the mechanical linkage) has likely failed.

I would recommend having your clutch issue inspected by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

No resistance in the clutch pedal

If you press the clutch pedal and it feels extremely loose or has no resistance at all, it may indicate a problem with the master cylinder. This could be due to a loss of hydraulic pressure caused by a faulty cylinder.

clutch master cylinders are prone to leaks, and a faulty one can cause a number of problems. these are some of the most common. soft or loose clutch pedal: a clutch master cylinder that is leaking, internally or externally, can result in a soft clutch pedal or a pedal that has excessive free play.

Common signs of a clutch fluid leak are difficulty shifting or grinding noises while shifting, clutch pedal staying close to the floor, and dirty or low clutch fluid. Bar`s Leaks Hydraulic Manual Clutch Fluid with Stop Leak stops small leaks (adding fluid once per month) and medium leaks (adding fluid once per week).

The classic symptom of a failing master cylinder is a brake pedal that “dives” or sinks slowly to the floor while pedal pressure is being applied. Another sign to look out for is any leaks around the master cylinder. If a seal is worn out, it may leak past the seal and onto the pushrod that attaches to the brake pedal.

Most clutch leaks occur at the master cylinder (under the dash) or at the slave cylinder (on the side of the transmission). Look for wetness around the shafts on both of these cylinders. When the internal seals fail fluid can leak out when the shaft enters the housing.

Yes master cylinders can fail without leakage, the clutch master cylinder has a piston inside and there are separate channels for hi-pressure line and return(low pressure) line and their location in the cylinder differs for manufacturers.

Causes of clutch fluid leaks from the clutch system:

Worn master cylinder seals – Your car`s clutch master cylinder has seals that prevent fluid from leaking out. These seals will degrade over time, which may eventually resulting in them leaking brake fluid from above and around the clutch pedal.

Clutch master cylinders develop leaks both internally and externally. Check for an external leak on the floorboard behind the clutch pedal or the engine compartment`s firewall. If there is a loss of pressure after the clutch is applied, and there are no external leaks, suspect an internal leak.

Clutch fluid leaks usually come from the pipes that carry the hydraulic fluid, or from damaged or faulty seals in the hydraulic components. It`s okay to drive with a minor clutch fluid leak, but if all the fluid leaks out you won`t be able to use the clutch, so it`s safest to book your car in to get it checked out.

A failed master cylinder can cause a low or spongy brake pedal but generally does not make any noises. If however you hear a loud hissing sound when the brakes are applied, the power/vacuum brake booster may have a vacuum leak.

Master cylinders should last between 70,000 and 110,000 miles. They could last forever, but they have rubber seals that wear out over time. A bad master cylinder compromises your vehicle`s stopping power.

It`s a crucial component for safe driving since all of your brake operation depends on the master cylinder working as it`s designed. But like any car part, there`s potential for the master cylinder to fail, and understanding what to look for can reduce the likelihood of a problem coming to a stop.

“Riding” the clutch is the most common reason for premature clutch failure. Even the slightest pressure on the pedal will partially disengage the clutch, causing the release bearing, pressure plate and flywheel to overheat.

Failed Brake Master Cylinder Seal: It`s exceptionally rare for brake fluid to leak from the brake master cylinder to the clutch pedal, but it is technically possible. The most likely cause in this instance would be a failed master cylinder seal.

Clutch Failure Symptoms

Like all mechanical and hydraulic devices, the master cylinder will eventually wear out. Depending on use, the typical master cylinder might last 60,000 to 200,000 miles. Highway commuters use the brakes less often than city taxis, for example, so their master cylinders tend to last longer.

Clutch Pedal Remains Stuck to the Floor. Clutch Pedal Feels Loose or Spongey. Clutch Pedal is Hard to Engage. Transmission Makes A Grinding, Whirling or Chirping Noise in Neutral.

Drain and replace the clutch fluid if it looks dark.. Fresh clutch fluid has a clear yellow coloring. It darkens, turning red or black, over time. If the fluid looks dirty, bleed it from the clutch valve underneath your vehicle.

The clutch fluid reservoir is located under the hood on the driver`s side of the vehicle. Check the hydraulic clutch fluid level before each use of the vehicle. Maintain the fluid level between the MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir. Use DOT 4 brake fluid in the hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir.

Clutch Fluid

This icon might look like a gear shift with a small reservoir on top, or it could depict a clutch, usually round. If you don`t know, a clutch is a mechanical device in a vehicle that engages and disengages power transmission, from a drive shaft to a driven shaft.

Turn off the engine, and try to select a gear. If you can select a gear, then it is likely that a clutch problem is to blame. If you can`t select a gear, then the issue could be gearbox failure.

It can take between one and four hours to replace a brake master cylinder depending on your skill level and the type of vehicle you`re working on.

When the pedal is soft or spongy. If at any point in your driving you notice that the clutch pedal is lighter and easier to depress than before, this is another symptom that indicates that the clutch pedal should be replaced. This is because the clutch master cylinder has air in it, so the pedal starts to feel softer.

Bench bleeding is especially useful with new master cylinders. It`s a great way to get air out of the cylinder itself and begin your brake bleeding process quickly and easily. You can get bench bleeding kits from any number of places, but we picked ours up at Classic Performance Parts when obtaining a brake kit.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

ANSWER : Hello – it sounds like the clutch hydraulics are not functioning properly. Check for adequate fluid level first – the clutch fluid reservoir is near the brake fluid reservoir on the firewall (driver side). If the fluid level is low, most likely the clutch slave cylinder is leaking and should be replaced. If the fluid level is correct, but the clutch will not disengage when you press the pedal, the clutch master cylinder (or the mechanical linkage) has likely failed.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

I have no clutch it goes to the floor and I cannot find the slave master cylinder for the clutch master cylinder please send pics

ANSWER : The reservoir supplying the fluid to both cylinders is the brake master cylinder reservoir. However, adequate fluid there means nothing as a diagnostic. The clutch slave and/or master cylinder could be leaking internally (no visible external leak) or there could be air in the clutch hydraulic system that will have to be bled out. There are other mechanical causes of the clutch pedal going to the floor but in your circumstances that hydraulic circuit should be looked at first. If you desire a diagnostic, and repair of this issue, right at your location, please request a clutch system inspection. If you request that inspection, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

my clutch went all the way to the ground and would not come back off the floor, when I took it in do have the work bone they told

ANSWER : It sounds like the technician that performed the transmission work on your vehicle may have made a mistake somewhere along the line. I would recommend taking your vehicle back to the place that last serviced it and explain that your problem is not resolved. Any issues you are having should be handled through their warranty program.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

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.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

My clutch is not working Entire clutch repair or clutch master cylinder repair? How do I check the cylinder?

ANSWER : Hi there. Check the slave cylinder to the clutch and see if the piston is all the way out. If the piston is all the way out or its not touching the clutch fork, then the release bearing has broken and the fork has moved into the clutch. If the slave cylinder is relaxed and the fork is against it, then the clutch pressure plate has sprung a pressure spring. If the pedal can go down but not all the way to the floor, then the clutch needs replaced with a new release bearing. If you need further assistance with a clutch replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

Clutch master not building pressure and allowing gear selection

ANSWER : The broken connection may have shifted the level in a way that caused the seal to fail. If bleeding the air from the system does not help, you may need to have the clutch master cylinder replaced. Hire an experienced technician, like one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the clutch system and see if the slave cylinder moves when the clutch is applied.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

my clutch went out on my truck? i got the clutch fixed but now the truck will not start. what do you think is wrong??

ANSWER : The anti theft system may be causing the no start. Look at the theft light when you are cranking the vehicle. If the light is on then the system is active and preventing the vehicle from starting. Try to close all the doors and hood, then lock all the doors with the remote. Unlock the doors again and try to start the vehicle. If it starts then you are okay. If it still says anti theft is active then you will have to have the system checked to see if the anti theft module is in need of repair or replacement. If the anti theft light is not on then you will need to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic to see if you are getting spark and fuel and diagnose those areas. You could remove and clean off the crank shaft sensor in the bell housing since it could be covered in clutch debris causing the no start due to no RPM signal. If you need assistance, a certified mobile mechanic can visit your home or office to inspect your vehicle’s no start issues.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out

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.

Read Full Q/A … : I think my clutch or clutch master cyclinder went out