Clutch help needed !!!!

[tonyg]

I've got an 89/G plate 350i and have just started experiencing a problem with the clutch.

Up till a couple of days ago biting point was fine roughly in the middle of pedal travel.

Got in it yesterday morning and the biting point has dropped almost to the floor and pedal travel down to the biting point has gone very spongy.

Clutch still bites fine, no slipping etc. Have checked fluid level in reservior and thats fine, its not leaking any fluid anywhere, cant see anything leaking onto the ground either.

Could it be an internal problem with either the master or slave cylinder?? Could it just be a little air got into the system?? Is the clutch worn and about to go??

Seems funny that it just happened overnight with no warning whatsoever....

Any advice would be much appreciated...

Also does anyone know where and what the master/slave cylinders come from. Can i buy them off the shelf or get repair kits for them........

Cheers all

Tony

[jimbob350ifhc]

unfortunatly it sounds to me like the clutch lever which pushes the clutch out may have gone through! it rest on this pivit point which wears out! cost about 30-40 quid! but its an engine and gearbox apart situation if it is this!! sorry mate keep us posted

[tonyg]

Cheers for that...

Funnily enough got in car today to go to work, pedal still near floor, filled it up with fuel and pedal went back to being normal again though since then the biting point has moved down again a bit.

If the clutch lever had gone through like you suggest would the biting point move up and down?? I'm wondering if its a problem internally in either the master or slave cylinder??

Strange that the biting point is moving up and down rather than staying in the same place........

[h2dca]

tonyg said:

Cheers for that... Funnily enough got in car today to go to work, pedal still near floor, filled it up with fuel and pedal went back to being normal again though since then the biting point has moved down again a bit. If the clutch lever had gone through like you suggest would the biting point move up and down?? I'm wondering if its a problem internally in either the master or slave cylinder?? Strange that the biting point is moving up and down rather than staying in the same place........

I would suggest hydraulic's, bleed the system and see if it does a temporary cure, you may not see a leak as the slave cylinder is in the bell housing so if a slight leak it may not be noticable. Also if the seals in either cylinders are leaking due to a small piece of debris or worn/rolled lip seal this may give odd indications.

[tonyg]

Cheers

I've got it booked in this sat for an oil/filter change and they're going to bleed through the clutch and see if that makes any difference.

[adam quantrill]

The most common problem with the hydraulics I have experienced it a worn master cylinder. When they go they tend to leak inside the car, have a look around the pushrod that goes through the bulkhead, and check the carpets in the area. It can also leak air into it when the clutch is released, giving funny symptoms.

[jimbob350ifhc]

id say hydolics now its moved again!!!

[tonyg]

Found the problem, its the Master cylinder on the way out...

Have jacked the car up and checked underneath, although the slave is oily its not leaking, just general oil often found under a car. Master cylinder is weeping fluid through one of the seals on the bulkhead. Have topped up reservoir as noticed it had dropped. Some feeling has returned to the pedal now which is nice.

Just gotta get a new master cylinder and get it fitted.......