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Clutch woes :(

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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 03:00 PM
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Default Clutch woes :(

So... damn'est thing. My clutch pedal is sticking to the floor and the clutch is not disengaging . The problem became progressively worse of the course of a few days. Haven't had the car in the air yet but, I've changed out the fluid the best I was able using the turkey baster method. I also have a new master cylinder on the kitchen counter ready for replacement. I have a feeling I know where this is going. It will probably result in a clutch replacement. Just any thoughts on different clutches. What people like, what they don't like? This is my daily driver... well, during the summer months anyway or as often as possible. I don't really beat on my car to much and I don't have any hopes of making crazy uncontrollable horse power some day. Thanks in advance!
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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oh... yes the fluid was disgusting... probably never been changed.. 100% my fault, ive had the car for a year now and I never thought to even look.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 03:08 PM
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Well, I've read some people putting a remote clutch bleeder in by removing the intake and coming in through the top, much easier than coming in from the bottom. It's not a clutch problem per se, it the hydraulics. I's try getting the fluid super clean wither with what you've been doing of adding a remote bleeder.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 3boystoys
Well, I've read some people putting a remote clutch bleeder in by removing the intake and coming in through the top, much easier than coming in from the bottom. It's not a clutch problem per se, it the hydraulics. I's try getting the fluid super clean wither with what you've been doing of adding a remote bleeder.
I was also reading that in many places. Something I'll definitely be doing.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 03:24 PM
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Remote bleeder line requires pulling the torque tube out. A couple of members here, using herculean methods and custom tools they built, have managed to get one in without pulling the tt but those were extreme measures. I just put my tt back in this weekend and added a remote bleeder since I already had it out but would not have added it otherwise.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Patches
Remote bleeder line requires pulling the torque tube out. A couple of members here, using herculean methods and custom tools they built, have managed to get one in without pulling the tt but those were extreme measures. I just put my tt back in this weekend and added a remote bleeder since I already had it out but would not have added it otherwise.
The pics I saw of coming in from the top with the intake off looked like the hot ticket and it gives the opportunity to also add a remote OPS too.

Read this from someone that's done many remote bleeders:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/manual-tra...ur-clutch.html

From the above doc:
The easiest way that we have found is to pull the intake manifold for the C5 and C6 Corvettes. We have ported hundreds of manifolds so we have become proficient at pulling intake manifolds. (Total time to clean head ports and put it back on about 45min.) This will allow one to lay in and across the engine bay. With your head right at the firewall with a 9mm combination wrench and a light just barely have enough room to see the port, pop off the rubber cap (leave it off) and open it while someone else is depressing the clutch pedal. Bleed it just like a brake system, one person (A) holds pedal, the other (B) opens the port till fluid pours out and then closes, (A) pumps pedal till firm again and then repeat till fluid is clear, 3-12 cycles. Remember to check the reservoir! Refill it so you do not get any air in the line. Earlier F bodies and GTOs may be accessible from under the car and may not require pulling the intake manifold.

Last edited by 3boystoys; Sep 2, 2014 at 04:24 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 04:14 PM
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Clutch sticking to the floor is usually the first sign the clutch is going. The type of clutch depends on the power you are putting down or plan to put down. Mantic makes a nice clutch.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by meflyfrc
Clutch sticking to the floor is usually the first sign the clutch is going. The type of clutch depends on the power you are putting down or plan to put down. Mantic makes a nice clutch.
I just installed this Mantic 9000 triple disc - can hold 1000 HP. Pricey, though.





My tt/tranny/diff assembly out and ready for upgrade. I attached the remote bleeder to the slave before attaching it back to this assembly.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Patches
I just installed this Mantic 9000 triple disc - can hold 1000 HP. Pricey, though.





My tt/tranny/diff assembly out and ready for upgrade. I attached the remote bleeder to the slave before attaching it back to this assembly.
Next time you post pictures, clean your parts off so we can discern what we're looking at. It looks like you eat off of that TT, Diff, or Trans without thinking twice.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 05:37 PM
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Good info in here about flushing clutch fluid without pulling TT.

http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 06:34 PM
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Originally Posted by john8642
Good info in here about flushing clutch fluid without pulling TT.

http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html
Has anyone on here done this? I ask because I need to change mine real bad, but don't want to pull everything.

I helped a friend install a remote bleeder on his CTS-V when we did a Monster clutch. What a pain in the *** it was without it.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 66dts-v
Has anyone on here done this? I ask because I need to change mine real bad, but don't want to pull everything.

I helped a friend install a remote bleeder on his CTS-V when we did a Monster clutch. What a pain in the *** it was without it.
I do this every time my fluid starts to get cloudy. Works great.
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 08:56 PM
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It's true, Patches does detail the underside of his car.

That clutch is a thing of beauty
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 09:32 PM
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I have this problem now with my c5z and had this on a ls1 z28

my z28 started after I installed long tube headers, the heat from the Lt's boiling the clutch fluid and loose the clutch till it cools if you get on the car, driving it normal clutch is fine though

I'm replacing my trans and upgrading clutch, slave & master to solve the problem
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Old Sep 2, 2014 | 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by stewgy12
So... damn'est thing. My clutch pedal is sticking to the floor and the clutch is not disengaging . The problem became progressively worse of the course of a few days. Haven't had the car in the air yet but, I've changed out the fluid the best I was able using the turkey baster method. I also have a new master cylinder on the kitchen counter ready for replacement. I have a feeling I know where this is going. It will probably result in a clutch replacement. Just any thoughts on different clutches. What people like, what they don't like? This is my daily driver... well, during the summer months anyway or as often as possible. I don't really beat on my car to much and I don't have any hopes of making crazy uncontrollable horse power some day. Thanks in advance!
is it sticking to the floor all the time or only during high rpm shifts?... if it's all the time you could have air in the system or a leaking clutch master/slave... you're on the right track, start with the master cylinder and do a proper clutch bleed (not the turkey baster method)... the master is the cheapest and easier part to replace... if that doesn't work I would invest in a new clutch and preferably an aftermarket unit that isn't designed like the factory one... I tried new and expensive fluid then a tick master and those didn't help, then replaced the clutch with a twin disc and no more problems... I think a lot of the problems lie within the factory pressure plate
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by neutron82
is it sticking to the floor all the time or only during high rpm shifts?... if it's all the time you could have air in the system or a leaking clutch master/slave... you're on the right track, start with the master cylinder and do a proper clutch bleed (not the turkey baster method)... the master is the cheapest and easier part to replace... if that doesn't work I would invest in a new clutch and preferably an aftermarket unit that isn't designed like the factory one... I tried new and expensive fluid then a tick master and those didn't help, then replaced the clutch with a twin disc and no more problems... I think a lot of the problems lie within the factory pressure plate
Start with the ranger fluid flush, it's easy and doesn't cost any more than a can of brake fluid. If the fluid is very dirty, it may take 20 or 30 cycles before you get results. If that doesn't work, go to more involved solutions. the problem is well documented as a poor hydraulic design that was corrected for the 2004 model. If you do need a clutch, the LS7 unit is usually on sale for cheaper that a C5 Z06 unit, and has an improved design also.
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by john8642
Start with the ranger fluid flush, it's easy and doesn't cost any more than a can of brake fluid. If the fluid is very dirty, it may take 20 or 30 cycles before you get results. If that doesn't work, go to more involved solutions. the problem is well documented as a poor hydraulic design that was corrected for the 2004 model. If you do need a clutch, the LS7 unit is usually on sale for cheaper that a C5 Z06 unit, and has an improved design also.
if he has air in the system the "ranger" method will not work, not to mention you would have to do it dozens of times compared to a proper bleed and I still doubt the credibility of it actually getting the nasty fluid out of the slave... I am not a fan of that method and would rather do a proper flush once than trying to convince myself that I'm actually getting all the crud out of the slave by changing the fluid in the reservoir
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Patches
I just installed this Mantic 9000 triple disc - can hold 1000 HP. Pricey, though.





My tt/tranny/diff assembly out and ready for upgrade. I attached the remote bleeder to the slave before attaching it back to this assembly.
That looks amazing!! Might be over kill for me though lmao!!
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by neutron82
is it sticking to the floor all the time or only during high rpm shifts?... if it's all the time you could have air in the system or a leaking clutch master/slave... you're on the right track, start with the master cylinder and do a proper clutch bleed (not the turkey baster method)... the master is the cheapest and easier part to replace... if that doesn't work I would invest in a new clutch and preferably an aftermarket unit that isn't designed like the factory one... I tried new and expensive fluid then a tick master and those didn't help, then replaced the clutch with a twin disc and no more problems... I think a lot of the problems lie within the factory pressure plate
Its just sticking period now. It didn't start with high RPM shifts either. I literally just pulled into a gas station one day and when I went to leave the clutch only came of the floor a little ways. It grabbed immediately too. It took me a while to understand what was "different" about my car. Definitely looked like an *** stalling a few times. Over the next few days it became increasingly worse to the point now that you push the clutch in once and it does not disengage and the pedal sticks. No fluid near or around the master cylinder that I can see. Tried the turkey baster method. I was a little wary about this and I think I may have done it wrong.... I had to only do 2 or 3 cycles before I didn't see anymore goop. The system doesn't seem that complicated. Two cylinders and line with some springs.. I'm almost certain I"ll be opening it up and replacing slave and clutch. I just haven't had any time to really devote to it. Stupid expensive repairs. LOL
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Old Sep 3, 2014 | 11:29 AM
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I get more confused every time this subject comes up. I have the same issue with a slow or lazy clutch pedal. I never noticed it until I had cam and headers installed. I have tried to wrap the headers near the clutch lines and change the fluid often. I even notice it when I take a long ride, say over an hour driving on the interstate, which makes me think it is more from the heat of the headers. Someone even mentioned replacing the clutch with an aftermarket one to solve the problem, I don't see how that fixes anything if it is a hydraulic problem. I haven't found anything that works. My pedal never sticks, just a lazy or slow feel.

Last edited by Mickster144; Sep 3, 2014 at 11:31 AM.
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