Clutch/Brake fluid reservoir leak
Discussion
Hi, I have a 2014 Mk7 Golf Match Tdi (30,000 miles).
It has been in local mechanic's this week after I first noticed the pedal was stuck to the floor one day. He recovered the vehicle to his garage and noticed the brake/clutch reservoir was empty so filled it, the pedal came back, and then asked me to run it for a week. After just 3 days the reservoir is half-empty again and it's visibly leaking from an area around the reservoir in the bonnet (I estimate this from location of puddle on tarmac). When the fluid is topped up the car drives fine and clutch feels ok (maybe a slightly low bite though).
I called back the garage and he recommends replacing the clutch and is getting me some prices.
I'm not at all knowledgable about cars, however after some basic reading and watching YouTube videos, I understand the clutch itself is activated by a hydraulic system that has several parts including master and slave cylinder connected by a line. As far as I can see there's no fluid involved with the actual clutch itself, so I don't understand why the symptoms I'm experiencing indicate a replacement of the clutch. Isn't it more likely that fluid is leaking from one of those other components?
To someone who knows about these things, does my problem indicate that the clutch that needs replacing? How would you approach getting this resolved if not?
It has been in local mechanic's this week after I first noticed the pedal was stuck to the floor one day. He recovered the vehicle to his garage and noticed the brake/clutch reservoir was empty so filled it, the pedal came back, and then asked me to run it for a week. After just 3 days the reservoir is half-empty again and it's visibly leaking from an area around the reservoir in the bonnet (I estimate this from location of puddle on tarmac). When the fluid is topped up the car drives fine and clutch feels ok (maybe a slightly low bite though).
I called back the garage and he recommends replacing the clutch and is getting me some prices.
I'm not at all knowledgable about cars, however after some basic reading and watching YouTube videos, I understand the clutch itself is activated by a hydraulic system that has several parts including master and slave cylinder connected by a line. As far as I can see there's no fluid involved with the actual clutch itself, so I don't understand why the symptoms I'm experiencing indicate a replacement of the clutch. Isn't it more likely that fluid is leaking from one of those other components?
To someone who knows about these things, does my problem indicate that the clutch that needs replacing? How would you approach getting this resolved if not?
Edited by mtharrison on Tuesday 22 September 11:04
Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to get a 2nd opinion from another garage. I'm not sure if it's an internal or external slave which I suppose would make a difference as to whether they recommend replacing clutch. However it seems a bit too much to replace a part that isn't defective just because you have access?
I can't see the source of the leak directly but I can see where the fluid lands on the pavement and it's around the area directly below the clutch pedal/reservoir.
I can't see the source of the leak directly but I can see where the fluid lands on the pavement and it's around the area directly below the clutch pedal/reservoir.
phumy said:
Did you actually read my post further back up the page?
I certainly did, thanks for posting! Sounds like a good theory indeed. I really do not know what I'm doing though so I doubt I'd be able to troubleshoot or fix this myself but I will mention it to whoever I find to have a look at it and point them in that direction.
Thanks for the reminder, I meant to update.
I took it to another garage and he said the issue was the concentric slave cylinder inside the transmission. The fluid was leaking onto the tray under the car and then the pooling was coming out of the lowest point of the tray.
He also suggested while in there it was worth replacing the 3 part clutch and dual mass flywheel as it was already 6 years old. The guy was very detailed in his explanation of the work and seemed professional so I told him to go ahead.
The cost breakdown was:
dmf - 368
clutch - 255
bolts - 8
labour - 150
oil - 9
ttl (inc VAT) £949
Was more than I was expecting but happy the work was carried out quickly and I assume to a high standard. The car has been good since.
I took it to another garage and he said the issue was the concentric slave cylinder inside the transmission. The fluid was leaking onto the tray under the car and then the pooling was coming out of the lowest point of the tray.
He also suggested while in there it was worth replacing the 3 part clutch and dual mass flywheel as it was already 6 years old. The guy was very detailed in his explanation of the work and seemed professional so I told him to go ahead.
The cost breakdown was:
dmf - 368
clutch - 255
bolts - 8
labour - 150
oil - 9
ttl (inc VAT) £949
Was more than I was expecting but happy the work was carried out quickly and I assume to a high standard. The car has been good since.
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