My clutch pedal won’t come back up fully. The main reservoir is full, even over the MAX.
Bought a used car, and the clutch pedal isn't going back up. I can pull it with my leg and it's back good for a couple of minutes.
I have checked the main reservoir and it is full, over the max level.
I have checked the main reservoir and it is full, over the max level.
My car has 160000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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. If there doesn’t appear to be any leaks, or the level in the reservoir doesn’t seem to be going down, I would say you can rule out a leak. In this case, I would at the clutch master or slave cylinder. If this is something that you feel you need a hand in identifying and/or repairing, contact a certified mechanic, like the mobile mechanics at YourMechanic.com.
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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.
This situation is usually a failure of either the clutch master or slave cylinder – they simply wear out. If you have any clutch fluid on the drivers side front carpet, the failure is the clutch master cylinder.
Look to see if the clutch linkage is loose or out of adjustment. Check the connections to the clutch fork to make sure that the clutch linkage is tight. Step 2: Check the clutch linkage at the clutch pedal. Make sure that the pin and cotter pin are in place.
Clutch Sticking Repairs
For some vehicles, sticking may mean a clutch cable repair or adjustment. Hydraulic issues may mean replacing seals and gaskets or perhaps replacing the master and/or slave cylinders. Other common repairs include resurfacing or replacing the flywheel.
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.
Slipping gears
Gear slippage happens when the clutch plate has become too damaged or worn to fully engage in a specific gear. You might notice what feels like engine “revving” where the rpm increases seemingly too drastically for the shift to take place.
With a sudden breakdown, the clutch ceases to work entirely and the car won`t move. With gradual failure, you may experience problems such as the car not stopping when you press the pedal. Sudden failure is most often caused by a broken or loose clutch cable, linkable or a failed hydraulic master/slave cylinder.
If your clutch pedal feels soft or `spongy` at any point as you press it to the floor, it`s a sign your clutch fluid is low. That spongy, inconsistent feeling is due to air in the clutch line from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder.
If there is air in the system, you do not get enough pressure and the clutch is not able to fully engage. Bleeding the clutch is a process in which you remove all the fluid currently in the system, getting out all the liquid and air, and replacing it with purely liquid.
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.
If the clutch fluid is low, look all over both master and slave cylinders and the pipe that connects them for signs of a leak. Pull back the lip of the dust cover on both cylinders. If there is hydraulic fluid inside the cover the piston seal is worn or damaged or the cylinder may be scored.
Typically there are three methods used by auto manufacturers to actuate the clutch diaphragm in manual transmission vehicles: push rod, cable, and hydraulic. Adjusting push rod and cable-type linkages is fairly simple, but hydraulic clutches require bleeding when installing a new hydraulic throwout bearing.
Pressing the clutch and raising the RPM to 4000 to 5000 can be destructive for the entire car clutch system. A few wheel spins might make you replace your clutch place or even the entire clutch system.
The average lifespan of a clutch is anywhere between 20,000 to 150,000 miles. Luckily, your clutch will likely give you ample notice that something is going wrong. Don`t get left at the side of the road with a vehicle that won`t shift into gear.
With the engine still off, press the clutch as far down as it goes then release it. A clutch that is in good condition should spring back to its original position quickly and have some resistance as you press down. On the other hand, if it gets stuck, moves slowly or feels bouncy then it`s likely to be wearing out.
Transmission fluid is a lubricant formulated to protect a vehicle`s gears and clutch packs while enabling smooth, crisp shifts. It… Transmission fluid is a lubricant formulated to protect a vehicle`s gears and clutch packs while enabling smooth, crisp shifts. It plays a vital role in keeping vehicles working.
Issues with the clutch
In fact, low transmission fluid levels will halt its moves and your clutch may even get stuck in an abnormal position.
When air is present in a hydraulic system, the desired instant system reaction is slowed and results in a slower actuator response or a “spongy feel.” This is due to the compressible nature of the trapped air. The air contained in a system is alternately compressed and decompressed as the actuator is cycled.
The conventional way of testing the integrity of the piston seal in a double-acting cylinder is to pressurize the cylinder at the end of stroke and measure any leakage past the seal. This is commonly referred to as the “end-of-stroke bypass test”.
What will happen if you hold the clutch pedal down or roll in neutral for too long? Explanation: Holding the clutch down or staying in neutral for too long will cause your vehicle to freewheel. This is known as `coasting` and it`s dangerous because it reduces your control of the vehicle.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My clutch pedal won’t come back up fully. The main reservoir is full, even over the MAX.
ANSWER : 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. If there doesn’t appear to be any leaks, or the level in the reservoir doesn’t seem to be going down, I would say you can rule out a leak. In this case, I would at the clutch master or slave cylinder. If this is something that you feel you need a hand in identifying and/or repairing, contact a certified mechanic, like the mobile mechanics at YourMechanic.com.
Why won’t the starter motor engage and turn engine over. Also, the clutch pedal won’t move and the clutch is partly engaged but slips.
ANSWER : If the clutch pedal is not moving and the clutch is partially applied, then the clutch release bearing may be damaged and the fork is jammed into the clutch forcing it to slip.
For the no start condition on the starter, try tapping on the starter solenoid and see if the starter engages. If the starter does not engage, then remove the starter and see if it engages without the engine. If the starter does engage, then try to crank the engine over by hand and see if it turns. If the engine does not turn, then the bearings may be locked up or there could be an issue inside the engine. If the engine does move, then the starter needs to be replaced. For the brake lights not shutting off, the brake light switch could be applied as it may be not connected properly on the brake pedal. Check to see the location of the brake pedal light switch and adjust the location to relax the switch. If the switch is relaxed, then the brake light switch would need replaced.
I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with the no start and clutch issue.
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.
Why does my clutch pedal sink to the floor and dosent come back up?
ANSWER : Hi – there are 2 main causes for the clutch going all the way to the floor. First – check that the return spring on the clutch pedal is in place. Second – I see you bled the system – bleed the system again. This is how I would do it – use a short length of hose connected to the bleeder screw, run that hose into a cup half full with recommended fluid…fill the reservoir, then have one person pump the pedal while the other opens the bleeder screw and watches until NO BUBBLES come out (and makes sure the reservoir doesn’t run dry). Then close the screw fill the reservoir to the mark, and test her out. If you would consider, YourMechanic can send a certified technician to you and assist you in troubleshooting this clutch issue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
