Clutch problem

[RipGMH]

So the car has been sat in the garage for almost 2 months, fired it up today, after a jump start, and had a soft clutch pedal. Gave it a few pumps only got a little bit of pressure back.

Gears will engage with engine off, but not whilst on.

Could the system need a bleed? Or is this likely a clutch cylinder issue?

[RipGMH]

Thanks guys, no remote bleed extension and no idea about if clutch has been changed.

Will have to tackle it tomorrow and try a reservoir bleed,

This technique looks ok
https://youtu.be/AMdxrcAtD-k

[RipGMH]

stevieturbo said:

Has it lost any fluid ?

There's no reason this should happen sitting about, unless say it's developed a leak or something

No visible leak under the car. Thought it odd myself

[RipGMH]

Drihump Trolomite said:

If it's hot fluid just bleed from the reservoir

Try pumping it first with the cap off (carefully)

While the car is running?

I did have to top up the reservoir and tried pumping it cold with cap off, engine off.
Fitted the cap, started the car and tried again after 5-10min running with car running.
No change to fluid level.

Have not tried bleeding as I need to get a hose and try the syringe method

[RipGMH]

Thanks gents, will try tomorrow to draw out the air with a syringe.

Fluid is clear, but would be better to check when I can get pressure in the line.

First time I’ve had to add fluid so I’ll have to keep and eye on it.

[RipGMH]

So FIXED relieved!


used the syringe to pull air out the systems, had to keep topping up obviously whilst I pulled fluid out. Had a bit of air pulled through.

Then pumped the clutch 30 odd times.

Stared, pumped the clutch a few more time and noticed some pressure and bingo engaged.
Got 1st and R up and down the driveway. Car is SORNd so no road test. But will check again during the week.


Thanks for advice legends, last thing I needed after a fair bit of personal turmoil at the moment.

[RipGMH]

Thanks gents. Dealing with loss of my mum back home, so plenty on my mind and to arrange.

Ron - look forward to catching up. We are free both days,

Edit: should add the thought of replacing the clutch or master cylinder was doing my head in as I’m not set up for a home repair and have no idea who a decent local mechanic would be.

Edited by RipGMH on Sunday 8th December 20:46

[RipGMH]

Drihump Trolomite said:

Your system is likely to be fine, just more than likely crap fluid with moisture in it. The remote bleed isn't necessary but helps if you do a lot of strip time otherwise the suck and pump methods adequate

Yeah I was surprised how effective it was at pulling the air. Great feeling when you pull off a repair / fix thanks to the net and whatever you have lying around home.

[RipGMH]

So looks like I may have a slow leak, had to top up a bit today as was close to the min line.

Good news is proper pressure seems to be restored after a short squirt. Can’t do a proper drive as car is SORN’d so just up and down the driveway and ‘not roads’

[RipGMH]

SturdyHSV said:

You're probably already aware, but LS7 clutch kit and slave and bearings etc. etc. are all available on Rock Auto and very cheap, you're talking the whole lot for £400-600 ish delivered (exchange rates may vary a lot at the moment! )

Fitting it all is.... do-able on the drive but you're going to want tall axle stands and ideally a very low transmission jack, or alternatively a full tool chest's worth of very loud swearing and a few tears

Thanks didn’t know the price range. No idea what clutch i currently have fitted, what does the LS7 feel like?

Mine is not heavy, a little light on initial part of pedal travel then a medium feel to it. Grabs quite early too.

Edit: of your list of tools I only have loud swearing covered! Literally have nothing more than a travel set of tools as I’ve left everything back in Oz.

[RipGMH]

SturdyHSV said:

If you get it all nice and hot and give it lots of had gear changes, if the pedal sticks to the floor, then you've got an LS2 clutch. Basically if your clutch pedal has ever stuck to the floor and left you with about 5mm or clutch travel, it's an LS2 clutch still.

Not had this problem yet, but not done many miles. I’m hoping when I get back from a Christmas break the leaks not really a leak, then I’ll give it heaps after the winter to test the clutch.

How do you unstick the clutch in that situation?