Clutch pedal problems - 944 S2

[Spyke]

Hi all,

I'm seeing some weird behaviour in the clutch pedal on my '90 944 S2 Cab...

A couple of days ago, the pedal didn't return fully up after a gear change. After about 5 minutes it would then pop-up to it's end-stop. I figured maybe the pedal spring was cold or something and thought nothing more of it.

However, tried to select reverse yesterday after starting and it was as though the clutch wasn't fully disengaged on full pedal travel. The pedal now has very free movement until the last inch or so and gear changes required rev-matching on a quick run around the block.

I'm guessing it's a leak in the hydraulic cylinder that the pedal drives - would this match with anyone's experience here? Or maybe something else?

Also, can someone recommend a decent garage in or around the High Wycombe area to take a look at it, please? I might as well get them to do the annual service too, so someone who could do the lot would be beneficial. Historically (previous owner) the car's been seen to by JZ Machtech, but I was hoping for someone a bit nearer if possible.

Thanks for any help or advice!

[dern]

Spyke said:

I'm guessing it's a leak in the hydraulic cylinder that the pedal drives - would this match with anyone's experience here? Or maybe something else?

Yes. Check your clutch fluid level to see if it's low and top it up until you get it sorted if that's the problem.

My master cylinder went and it leaked fluid into the footwell which is pretty easy to spot. The slave is near the clutch and will probably leak where you can't see it.

Is Northway of Reading near you? Otherwise, if it's the master it's a dead easy job to do yourself.

Mark

[steve 944t]

Is the reservoir still full? If there is a leak it could be one of 3 things - master cylider on the bulkhead, slave cylinder by the starter motor or the flexi pipe from the master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking it will normally leak through the bulkhead and seep into the carpet, no fluid visible from inside the engine bay. Mine had a leak from the flexi hose - be warned as this is about £60 from OPC.
I use Tognola Engineering in Datchet (near Windsor) for my servicing (01753 545053). Alternatively G-force in Aylesbury are supposed to be good, but not used them myself. Another alternative is Ken Tolfree at 911-mobile, who will come to you (07860 368924), though he tends to be booked up.

[Spyke]

Thanks both - after checking the reservior (why didn't I think of that!) it's competely empty. No fluid on the carpet though, so looks like it's either the hose or the slave.

Thanks for the garage tips - I'll see who can do the work soonest, assuming it must be a leak.

Regarding topping up, can I use the same fluid as the brake fluid recommendations in the owner's book: "SAE J1703, DOT3 or DOT4"? It doesn't mention anything about the clutch hydraulics.

[dern]

Spyke said:

Regarding topping up, can I use the same fluid as the brake fluid recommendations in the owner's book: "SAE J1703, DOT3 or DOT4"? It doesn't mention anything about the clutch hydraulics.

From memory it's the same, I don't recall going out and getting anything different but I'd check in the manual first.

TBH though, if the reservoir is bone dry then topping it up probably won't make any difference unless you're really lucky as you'll have already introduced air into the system through the reservoir or through the leak.

Mark

[Spyke]

Yeah, good point - thanks anyway.