Abnormal functioning of the Clutch in traffic holdup

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

The clutch system on this vehicle is actuated hydraulically. Confirm the fluid is not low. If it is low, fill the reservoir using dot 3 or 4 brake fluid.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Hi and welcome back:

I need to know if the position of the release lever returns to normal when the vehicle is hot. Also, I need to know if it is fully moving when hot. The level will remain full because I do not think there is a leak, but rather I question if the fluid is bypassing the plunger or plungers and remaining in the component not allowing it to return.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi and welcome back:

If the clutch is not returning properly, it may be the result of either air in the hydraulic system or a faulty clutch master cylinder. Bleed the air or disassemble and inspect the master cylinder or clutch.

I feel that you should start with bleeding the system. That way, we can eliminate that as a possible issue. Here are the directions for the process:

BLEEDING

CAUTION:
Use the specified fluid. Avoid mixing different brands of fluid.

Specified fluid: SAE J1703 (DOT 3 or DOT 4)

1. Loosen the bleeder screw(B) at the clutch release cylinder(A).

(pic 1)

2. Depress the clutch pedal slowly until all air is expelled.
3. Hold the clutch pedal down until the bleeder is retightened.
4. Refill the clutch master cylinder with the specified fluid.

CAUTION:
The rapidly-repeated operation of the clutch pedal in B-C range may disrupt the release cylinder's position. During the bleeding operation, press the clutch pedal to the floor after it returns to the "A" point.

(Pic 2)

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Now, if that does not repair the problem, I suspect the problem is going to be either the slave cylinder, the hydraulic supply tuber, or the clutch master cylinder itself. To determine if there is a blockage in one of the units preventing the full release of the clutch, I need you to do is the following.

Drive the car until the problem occurs. At that point, open the bleeder on the clutch slave cylinder (picture 3) and see if there is a release of fluid allowing the clutch to fully engage.
If there is, suspect there is an issue between the slave and the clutch master cylinder. Repeat the process until it happens again. Then, loosen the same supply hose at the slave cylinder. If there is no release of the clutch, suspect the tube is bad or the flexible hose to the brake reserve tank and needs replaced. If there is a release, the problem is the clutch master cylinder.

Picture 4 is the clutch master cylinder and picture 5 shows the flexible brake reserve tank hose.

Since the problem was not repaired when the new parts were replaced, it has to be one of the hydraulic components being affected by heat.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe

You are very welcome. I have seen flexible hoses collapse internally. The result is fluid can be forced one way by the strength in your let. However, the system is not as strong and cannot return the fluid. In this situation, it may be able to prevent the clutch from fully releasing.

Let me know.
Joe