Clutch problem or just old fluid?

[Ed450]

Hi all!

Was just about to go for a spin today in what seems like the only sunny day we're likely to get! The clutch pedal felt normal but I couldn't get into gear with the engine running. After quickly looking underneath for big pools of clutch fluid (there were none) I took the sealed cover off (genius design) and had a look at the clutch fluid level. There was none in the cylinder, so I added some - it only took a bit to refill to normal, so obviously the system was not completely dry.

I tried the car again, and now it will JUST ABOUT go into gear, but it is still a very hard process. Luckily it is driveable for the moment. SO... there is no evidence of a leak, and the fluid level is not decreasing. I should mention that the gearchange has been getting noticeably more difficult over the past month or so, especially when stationary.

I have no idea when the clutch fluid was last changed, but it can't have been recently. The car gets a regular service but to be honest it looks like they have never changed the fluid. So i'm thinking:

1. New clutch fluid?
2. Possible perishing of the pipes? (Not a usual Tvr problem - more Elise)
3. Something more expensive

I'm taking it in for a service next week, but any ideas / advice would be appreciated so I won't be caught out.

Cheers - hopefully some of you got to enjoy saturday's weather!

[mattbridges]

My previous chimaera did the same thing - turned out to be either a fauly master or slave cylinder (can't remember now - it was 7 years ago) it hadn't packed up completely but it was on it's way out.


When it finally did got I couldn't get it out of first and ended up getting a lift home from Mr RAC :-(

[crackedfinger]

If it was dry when you topped up, yopu might have air int he line, try bleeding the clutch line and see if that helps. It must be leaking somewhere though.

[mdotrutherford]

Odds on you will have found that the fluid has been leaking back down the pedal and your carpet will be damp'n'orrible, as said you can bleed it for now to get it back but a sealkit or new master cylinder is probably your next move.
Brgds Ian

[occasionaluse]

Had the same thing 2 weeks ago - turned out to be the master cylinder leaking.
I decided to change the master cylinder (and slave whilst i was at it). Slave Cylinder was easy. Master Cylinder was a PITA.

First i thought i could just change the seals with it in the car - easy enough once i read how to remover the attachment to the clutch pedal and then remove the cirlip holding the piston in. Changed the seals - and OMG i could not get the circlip back in with only one hand and pliers. So i decided to change the whole cylinder - well it has been written before and be warned - the bolt that is under the cylinder is a pig to hold - i ended up fashining a tool to hold it whilst i undid the nut from inside the car - once done and re-fitted bleeding was simple and now works fantastically - it has been said before but do not start unless you know how to hold the bolt under the cylinder. If you can do that then it is simple. I think if i had the correct tool and not gone for changing the seals with it in the car i owuld have done the job in 2 hours max - however it took the weekend. Good luck.