Clutch: What did I break?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Fort Hood TX
Clutch: What did I break?
Had the car in the shop a few weeks ago to get the clutch replaced. Got the car back with a leaking clutch master cylinder. I'm gathering parts at the time for a few other issues so I figured it would be fine for a week or two until I could get the parts and take her back. (I know, I know)
A couple of days ago the clutch pedal pressure started to get really irregular. I could press it one time and it would fall straight to the floor, release it and press again and it was like doing a leg press trying to get the pedal to the floor. It also began making a sound like an old rusty spring would make when it compresses and contracts.
Tonight I pulled away from a stop light and was making the shift from 3rd to 4th. The pedal sank with a little too much ease. I threw the shifter into neutral and as I released the clutch pedal I heard an audible *ziiiip-snap*
Clutch pedal is now stuck (engaged) and trying to push the clutch pedal back down makes a nasty grinding sound and vibration while the car is in motion.
I managed to pull her into a random parking lot and there she sits until I can get a flatbed to her in the morning.
So before I take her back to these jokers that broke her in the first place, what does this sound like to you guys? This particular shop loves to replace things that don't need replacing.
A couple of days ago the clutch pedal pressure started to get really irregular. I could press it one time and it would fall straight to the floor, release it and press again and it was like doing a leg press trying to get the pedal to the floor. It also began making a sound like an old rusty spring would make when it compresses and contracts.
Tonight I pulled away from a stop light and was making the shift from 3rd to 4th. The pedal sank with a little too much ease. I threw the shifter into neutral and as I released the clutch pedal I heard an audible *ziiiip-snap*
Clutch pedal is now stuck (engaged) and trying to push the clutch pedal back down makes a nasty grinding sound and vibration while the car is in motion.I managed to pull her into a random parking lot and there she sits until I can get a flatbed to her in the morning.
So before I take her back to these jokers that broke her in the first place, what does this sound like to you guys? This particular shop loves to replace things that don't need replacing.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 69
From: Raleigh NC
I am living my nightmare as we speak. My clutch pedal went to the floor 
on lap 4 of a HPDE I was in. While entering the pits I stalled the engine with the clutch pedal to the floor and in 2nd gear. At the time it felt the clutch was still engaged and had a very weak pedal feel. I was hearing lots of metal on metal sounds and felt it through the clutch pedal.
In neutral the car was easily pushed but in gear with the clutch pedal pushed in the car would not budge.
What has happened is after 127,000 the pivot bolt decides up loosen up which allowed the slave cylinder to push the clutch fork into the back of the pressure plate…. Ala the grinding noise.
Pull of the dust cover (4 bolts) and see if you have any metal shavings inside the bell housing.
on lap 4 of a HPDE I was in. While entering the pits I stalled the engine with the clutch pedal to the floor and in 2nd gear. At the time it felt the clutch was still engaged and had a very weak pedal feel. I was hearing lots of metal on metal sounds and felt it through the clutch pedal.In neutral the car was easily pushed but in gear with the clutch pedal pushed in the car would not budge.
What has happened is after 127,000 the pivot bolt decides up loosen up which allowed the slave cylinder to push the clutch fork into the back of the pressure plate…. Ala the grinding noise.
Pull of the dust cover (4 bolts) and see if you have any metal shavings inside the bell housing.
Last edited by JimsCorvettes; Nov 8, 2009 at 05:45 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
The clutch fork may not have been seated correctly within the throwout bearing flange. You'll get a few uses out of the clutch pedal, but the flange will snap and you'll lose clutch action (ask me how I know).
