Clutch not disengaging

[Tony Russell]

Hello,

Over the past couple of days, I have noticed the odd sticky gear change, until today when I have to stop the car and switch if off, then start it in gear to change gear.

Last thing this evening, if I started it in gear, it was actually partially engaged and moving on the starter.



It's an A Calss Vaneo 1.7 CDi BTW.



So the clutch pedal is a bit floppy. There's a fair bit of travel before the only effective bit of the pedal movement is in the last 2cm or so.



There is no problem with slippage, whining, smells or any other clutch type symptoms.



I called a couple of clutch specialists today who either refused the job because it's a dog to drop the engine and change the clutch, or quoted a lot of money.

Changing a fuse just about requires an engine removal on this beast.



Personally, I don't think it's the clutch, I think it's the hydraulics.

Either air in the system (the low pressure feed from the reservoir to the master cylinder was split months ago and I replaced it - no problems since), or else the seals in the master cylinder might have an issue.



There's no leakage on the carpet or anything, and no loss of fluid from the reservoir.



I understand that the slave cylinder is in the clutch housing, so it's back to the full job if that's the case.



I'm clinging to the possible diagnosis I saw in the Peter Russek manual that suggests a bleed or a master cylinder replacement is a cure.



So, I guess I am asking if anyone has any experience of this particular car / symptom ?



Thanks in advance.



Tony

 

[initialbdriftracer]

sounds like a leaky hydraulic slave cyl to me.

had this problem , continously with an old mini, till i saved £11 for a new one.

hard times.

 

[Tony Russell]

Hi,
Thanks.
Unfortunately the slave is inside the clutch housing, which means an engine drop as far as I can ascertain.
I have a Landrover (basically a big mini) and it was a similar job to the £11 you describe.
Unfortunately this Vaneo thing wasn't made to be repaired.

Sad thing is wasn't made to not need repairs.

 

[mattkh]

Hi
What is the mileage ?

 

[Tony Russell]

150,000.

Not unreasonable to expect a new clutch at that stage I suppose.

That said, I had another look at the master cylinder under the pedal this morning.
When it's compressed, it can be heard to "fart" gently.

I can't help but suspect it's the culprit.

 

[rapide]

clutch problem

Hi obviously if its leaking from the slave you will see the leak and also the master ,also the master can get tired and let the pedal go down with no fluid loss, strange but true! as you say these vehicles are made to make money from us, perhaps there is a repair kit for the master or am i just showing my age again! thinking, morris oxford! sad i know but at least you could repair them! all the best let us know how you do!

 

[Tony Russell]

My mate (he's a good general mechanic who insisted I was wasting our time) and I bled out the hydraulic fluid from the gearbox earlier on.
If came out black.
He said he'd never seen that before.

Kept pumping and topping up, and it's got the firmness back.
Went a run and there's no problem at all.

I don't for one second think it's cured, I think we just removed the black stuff and the clean material seems to be working for a bit.
definitely no fluid loss anywhere though.

So I am a bit confused. Does brake fluid in the clutch go black when it's old and never changed and therefore lose it's properties, or does it mean there's something burst ?

I'm not under any illusion that I am probably going to have to drop the engine and get a 3 part kit fitted sooner or later, I just want to understand what's going on.

 

[television]

These fluids are odd,,, my old 140 brakes just went soft after the car had been standing, new fluid and all perfect, why it should go black, could it be the materials used turning it black

 

[spock500]

Brake/clutch fluids are hygroscopic in nature and will if exposed absorb moisture from the atmosphere.

Maybe the split pipe was enough of an opportunity for contamination to take place leading to internal corrosion. If this is the case it won't take long to wear down the rubber seals giving rise to the symptoms you describe, including discolouration of the fluid itself.

You maybe lucky and it's only the 'burping' master cylinder affected

 

[rapide]

black fluid

as spock, its the rubber? seals turning it black! black seals wearing down particles of it discolouring the fluid, so you have a worn master or slave but if it gets a good pedal after a bleed carry on regardless until sh.t happens!