Clutch problem

[dca]

Just recently my clutch pedal got extremely light at the top part of the pedal stroke and only engages the clutch at the very bottom of the pedal stroke. Its getting difficult to put the car in gear.

My 91 has 36K miles, but this happenned only within the last couple of times I drove it.

Does anyone know what this problem is or if I'll need an entire new clutch to fix it?

 

[sjs]

Sounds like hydraulics. Check the clutch reservoir level, and check for fluid leaks at the master and slave. But not finding a leak is no guarantee that the problem is not hydraulics. If you are unaware of the fluid ever having been flushed, that should be done to get rid of the crud and water that builds up in the fluid as well as any air in the lines. Of course if it proves not to be hydraulics then it may be the clutch itself, which will require removal & replacement.

 

[dca]

Just recently my clutch pedal got extremely light at the top part of the pedal stroke and only engages the clutch at the very bottom of the pedal stroke. Its getting difficult to put the car in gear.

My 91 has 36K miles, but this happenned only within the last couple of times I drove it.

Does anyone know what this problem is or if I'll need an entire new clutch to fix it?

I really appreciate your help. I have only had it for 4 months or so and I have only driven it around 1500 miles. I was not even aware that there was a clutch fluid reservior.

In fact, the clutch fluid reservior was completely empty. I filled it with DOT 3 fluid and the pedal felt normal again within a few minutes of driving it. After taking it out for 20 minutes or so, I checked the level again and it is fine, however there must be a reason (leak) that the level was so low. I'll definitely have it checked out. I haven't seen any fluids in my garage that would indicate leakage, but where should I be looking on the car?

 

[sjs]

Glad to hear that at least it isn't the big stuff!

Since it was empty there will still be air in the system and it should be bled. If the clutch really feels normal then it may be that the leak is at the slave end and essentially bleeds the air itself, followed of course by fluid more slowly. A very slow leak may not show up in the garage, but will likely get worse with time.

Have you ever bled brakes? By comparison, bleeding the clutch is simple and you can clean things up while you're at it so any leak will be easier to find.