I first noticed my clutch slipping while on the freeway this morning. My pedal felt very high (it has always felt high). Is it possible that the clutch is failing to fully release?

Added Note: I've been adding a little clutch fluid every couple of weeks, buying time until I could repair/replace the hydraulics.

Thanks in advance for your expertice!

Joe

93 Coupe, 50K miles

 

Jeez, Am I the first to explore this question?

 

You'll have to define 'riding high.' The stock engagement point is very near the top of the pedal travel, so you may be experiencing normal clutch activity.

If the clutch hydraulics weren't fully activating, the clutch would not release properly and shifting would become difficult, especially from a stop. If the clutch pedal is out, and you feel the clutch slip as you are cruising down the freeway, it's not a hydraulic issue. The hydraulics can not hold the clutch partially engaged.

If you have a pedal issue, and the clutch pedal is not returning to the top of the travel due an obstruction or some other issue, that could cause the hydraulics to hold the clutch back from engaging fully. However, if the pedal is low because of low fluid, the clutch is not being held out by the hydraulic system.

What exactly is the car doing? If the clutch slips when you go WOT in high gear, it probably isn't the hydraulics causing it.

Check out www.zfdoc.com There are some trouble shooting tips and directions there. However, slipping in high gear usually means the clutch is toast. How do you drive the car? Do you drag race it? Auto X? 50K is on the low side for a clutch to be wearing out, but it's not impossible.

As far as a replacement goes, there's lots of opinions on that one, and no real good solutions as far as I am concerned. If you do end up needing the clutch replaced, search around on here, or make another post and we can go over your options then.

Good luck!

 

Thanks, you confirmed my fears.

I was hoping maybe the clutch master or slave pushrod could back out and prevent full release.

I'm surprised the clutch is failing as I drive the car pretty gently. I've only had the car since 36k though, don't know how the original owner treated the clutch.

Joe

 

If they have never been changed, it is time to replace your clutch master, slave and line. Do this before replacing the clutch it self. When my hydraulics started to leak, I too thought my clutch was going bad. Make sure you read everything concerning the clutch hydraulic problems our cars have on Zfdoc's web site. Follow his recommendations, and you should be fine. I doubt you need to replace you clutch.

Good Luck

Randy

 

Thanks Randy,

I did review the ZFDoc's clutch text. I only saw discussion of where the clutch was not disingaging fully due to the hydraulic leakage in the slave and master. No mention of where the clutch was failing to release fully and thus slipping as a result of hydraulic system issues. Did your clutch slip as a result of hydralic system problems?

Thanks in advance for the info!

Joe