Clutch problem

[Eighteeteewhy]

Hi,

My clutch is feeling strange. Sometimes it feels like there is very little resistance and the bite point is instantaneous as soon as I start to release.
I believe they are hydraulic?

MK1 1.6 btw.

Cheers in advance.

@

[Oldandslow]

Sounds like the typical slave clutch cylinder leak. Look at slave cylinder for fluid in the rubber boot. Driver's side of the bellhousing area.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Yep a bit of googling all seems to throw up the same answer. I did have a look earlier and it was a bit 'wet' around the area where you said.

Got one ordered.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Slave cylinder changed, still the same. As you can see I the pic the gator was split Not in the best condition. However it didn't seem to be leaking and the reservoir hadn't lost much fluid.
In guessing it must be the master cylinder?

[Oldandslow]

Could be the master. Did it bleed through OK? Was the fluid manky looking?

[Pied Piper]

had the same on ours, turned out to be the master cylinder.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Oldandslow said:

Could be the master. Did it bleed through OK? Was the fluid manky looking?

It did bleed through but it wasn't squirting out as is does when bleeding brakes, and yes the first lot of fluid was black.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Can anyone tell me if it's the same master cylinder on a MK1-2-2.5?

[sbird]

Eighteeteewhy said:

Can anyone tell me if it's the same master cylinder on a MK1-2-2.5?

Looks like it: http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/clutch-master-cylinder-m...

[johnnyboy101]

Almost definitely the master cylinder since you say the clutch pressure changed.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Old off..


New on..


Pretty easy job tbh, just waiting for some brake/clutch fluid. Needs dot3 for some reason. Hopefully sorted then.

[Oldandslow]

Not sure DOT3 absolutely essential. Hope not, I used DOT4 in mine and thought DOT5.1 would be OK too.

Just don't use silicone based DOT5.0

[Eighteeteewhy]

I would have just used dot4, got plenty on the shelf.
But on the packet it said

USE DOT3 FLUID ONLY!!!!

Yes with four exclamation marks. :heh:

So I thought better safe than sorry.

Only £4 off the bay.

[skinny]

that was probably the latest standard when the cap was stamped at the factory. DOT4 is fine.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Well I waited for the fluid as I had ordered it anyway, and all is good.