My clutch slave cylinder is releasing on its own without releasing the clutch pedal
When engaging and holding in my clutch pedal my slave cylinder is releasing on its own causing the car to stall out,almost like the slave cylinder is losing hydraulic pressure, I have absolutely no fluid leaking anywhere
My car has 189900 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The problem is not in the slave cylinder if you have no leaks but in the clutch master cylinder. The fluid pressure is leaking internally and releasing pressure. Replace the clutch master cylinder and bleed clutch.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Your vehicle`s fluid reservoir can be the cause of multiple faulty clutch slave cylinder symptoms. Low fluid in the reservoir can make it difficult for the clutch slave cylinder to perform. Check for any leaks in the system. It`s also possible for the fluid to get contaminated and affect your vehicle`s performance.
Extreme overheating can cause irreversible dishing of the pressure plate leading to disengagement problems.
This can be the result of misaligned engine and transmission, distorted clutch housing, bent or improperly seated flywheel, or warped pressure plate or friction disc. Other areas to focus on include: Release fingers or levers—they may not be evenly adjusted. Pressure plate—it could be misaligned.
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 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.
Frequent causes why the clutch doesn`t disengage correctly include faults in the release system (clutch release bearing, slave cylinder, clutch lever), a jammed pilot bearing, or non-compliance with important installation requirements.
Problems with the clutch safety switch may include a no-start condition, starting with the clutch released and the transmission in gear, and inoperative cruise control. If you suspect a problem with the clutch safety switch or its adjustment, consult a professional service technician.
The clutch pedal sticking to the floor is usually an indication of a hydraulic problem in the clutch system, typically a system that nees bleeding. The clutch hydraulic system does not use engine vacuum. You should also check the adjustment of the overcenter spring above the clutch pedal.
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.
Leaks on the floor or engine bay
If the clutch slave cylinder develops any leaks, fluid will drip down and leave traces on the floor or in the engine bay. Depending on the severity of the leak, a leaking slave cylinder will usually also have a noticeable, adverse effects on the pedal feel as well.
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.
There could be a leak on the slave cylinder causing the slave cylinder not to operate. Also, check the pin to the clutch pedal and make sure that it is hooked up to the clutch master cylinder. Check the lines and make sure that they are not cross threaded, which will not seal and cause a leak.
A clutch that doesn`t engage fully, or slips under heavy load, is the normal failure mode of a worn out friction disc of pressure plate that has lost its tension. When you press the clutch, your foot counters the diaphragm spring which presses the friction disc to the flywheel.
Its outer surface is always spinning, whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged. It is self-adjusting, meaning that the spring between the bearing and base puts tension on the bearing, keeping it in contact with the pressure plate. This accommodates for clutch wear.
Most hydraulic clutch systems have their dedicated master cylinder; however, some vehicles use one master cylinder for both the brake system and the clutch system. Any time you open the hydraulic system, you will need to bleed it to remove air pockets.
The reason for engaging the clutch and using the accelerator at stage 4 is to speed up the gear wheel on the drive from the engine so that, when the gear is engaged at stage 5, the teeth on that gear wheel will be moving at the proper (higher) speed to engage smoothly with the teeth on the new gear wheel.
When you want to press the clutch pedal, lift your foot and press down by pushing from your knee. Once you`ve changed gears, release the clutch pedal by anchoring your foot on the floor (the same way you would anchor your right foot to toggle between the brakes and the throttle) and flexing your ankle backwards.
“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.
When the clutch switch is open (engaged), the car will not be able to start. Automatic vehicles use a neutral safety switch, which is similar in a lot of ways to the clutch switch. This switch prevents the car from starting unless it is set to Park or Neutral mode.
Use a low-pressure-type grease gun equipped with the recommended grease, and lubricate the bearing until excess grease purges from the rear of the release bearing (toward the transmission). Do not over-lubricate the clutch release bearing.
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 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.
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.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My clutch slave cylinder is releasing on its own without releasing the clutch pedal
ANSWER : The problem is not in the slave cylinder if you have no leaks but in the clutch master cylinder. The fluid pressure is leaking internally and releasing pressure. Replace the clutch master cylinder and bleed clutch.
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.
Clutch pedal goes to the floor and doesn’t return
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for your question. You could watch the clutch fluid as it mentions in the test, but this really doesn’t tell you much. Most of the time this is caused by a bad clutch master cylinder. If the fluid level is low the first thing to do would be to locate the leak. If the fluid is full then I watch to see that he clutch slave is moving when the clutch is pressed. If it is and if it is releasing but the pedal stays down then that is another reason to change the clutch master. If the clutch slave and fork are not releasing then it may have an internal clutch failure. If you would like help getting this inspected or repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to perform the inspection and make or suggest any repairs needed.
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 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.
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.
Master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder replaced
ANSWER : Unfortunately, using the same plastic clutch slave cylinder assembly the vehicle was manufactured with will cause the same results if the vehicle is abused. The plastic part is very strong, but cannot withstand the heat and pressure from hard driving. You may be able to do some research and find a higher performance part produced by an aftermarket company, as some companies specialize in manufacturing upgraded parts for higher performance. If you would like some assistance with this, one of the technicians from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the shaking problem and let you know what repairs are needed.
Replacing the clutch master cylinder.
ANSWER : Hi there. The clutch pedal has to be in place first before installing the clutch master cylinder. You can install the clutch pedal after putting in the clutch master cylinder, but you will have to make room to put on the brackets, which will entitle you having to remove part of the dash. If you need further assistance with putting the clutch pedal on your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
