What's up with my clutch?

[crispin]

Hi Primers,

Got in the car today (97-T) and the clutch pedal motion felt different to normal

Although I never measured it before, I'd guess there was maybe 1 inch of fairly free travel before the pedal started to do some work. Now this free travel is ~3 inches, and all the engagement / disengagement happening in the last 2 in of stroke. It still shifts ok, no awful sounds, but it seems very different to normal.

Fluid level seems right, no obvious leaks. The car has 100k on it, so I'd assume the clutch was near the end of it's life. Except for the fact that it wasn't like this earlier in the week, and I can't see how it can suddenly change.

Any bright ideas?

 

[hofffam]

The master or slave cylinders could have a problem without a noticable leak. It doesn't sound like it is the clutch itself since it doesn't slip and otherwise engages OK.

 

[DPG]

It could be the slave cylinder line as well. Reach down there and rub your finger on the line and see if you get any fresh fluid. It sounds like you are going to be having problems shortly. If you check in the footwell of the cabin also, where the piston rod comes through the firewall to the clutch pedal, you might see some fluid. Make sure to touch it to make sure if there is any fresh fluid.

 

[crispin]

Turned out to be a leaky slave cylinder, she's fixed now and all is well, so thanks to everyone for their help