Clutch fluid change & problem HELP
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 36
From: RI
St. Jude Donor '14-'15, '17, '19
Clutch fluid change & problem HELP
2000 Vert. Had the fluids changed at the dealer and picked it up yesterday. When I started the car Saturday the clutch petal was at the floor. Tried to lift the petal with my foot and noticed I had fluid stains on my suede shoes. Pulled the petal up by hand and had some fluid on my fingers. Just a good drop om my finger and a film on the palm of my hand when wiping the clutch arm with my hand. No stain on the floor or mat. This dealer does great work on Vettes. How could this happen. Is the fluid likely to keep leaking & getting worst? Never heard of a fluid leak in the car. I want to use the car today but am afraid to make things worse and getting fluid on my carpets. Hate it when you do preventive maintenace and have a problem because of it. I really want to drive the car today, what do you guys think. Thanks, Mike
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,421
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
2000 Vert. Had the fluids changed at the dealer and picked it up yesterday. When I started the car Saturday the clutch petal was at the floor. Tried to lift the petal with my foot and noticed I had fluid stains on my suede shoes. Pulled the petal up by hand and had some fluid on my fingers. Just a good drop om my finger and a film on the palm of my hand when wiping the clutch arm with my hand. No stain on the floor or mat. This dealer does great work on Vettes. How could this happen. Is the fluid likely to keep leaking & getting worst? Never heard of a fluid leak in the car. I want to use the car today but am afraid to make things worse and getting fluid on my carpets. Hate it when you do preventive maintenace and have a problem because of it. I really want to drive the car today, what do you guys think. Thanks, Mike
Do not drive it. Get it back to the dealer.....and yes, they should pay for the flatbed service, carpet cleaning, and floormat replacement if necessary.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,768
Likes: 940
From: Orlando Florida
Did they flush and bleed the clutch, or just syringe change it? At 20+ years old it is quite possible that the rubber seals simply gave up during a bleeding operation. If it’s just the master we should be grateful.
Personally, if the clutch operates well in the driveway, I would top off the reservoir, put a towel on the floor, and drive it to the dealership — I have yet to see a tow, flat bed or otherwise, that wasn’t likely to induce damage. Do not be surprised when the dealer refutes responsibility. Again personally, if I could get them to meet me anywhere between full charge and free I’d be satisfied.
Personally, if the clutch operates well in the driveway, I would top off the reservoir, put a towel on the floor, and drive it to the dealership — I have yet to see a tow, flat bed or otherwise, that wasn’t likely to induce damage. Do not be surprised when the dealer refutes responsibility. Again personally, if I could get them to meet me anywhere between full charge and free I’d be satisfied.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,421
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
Did they flush and bleed the clutch, or just syringe change it? At 20+ years old it is quite possible that the rubber seals simply gave up during a bleeding operation. If it’s just the master we should be grateful.
Personally, if the clutch operates well in the driveway, I would top off the reservoir, put a towel on the floor, and drive it to the dealership — I have yet to see a tow, flat bed or otherwise, that wasn’t likely to induce damage. Do not be surprised when the dealer refutes responsibility. Again personally, if I could get them to meet me anywhere between full charge and free I’d be satisfied.
Personally, if the clutch operates well in the driveway, I would top off the reservoir, put a towel on the floor, and drive it to the dealership — I have yet to see a tow, flat bed or otherwise, that wasn’t likely to induce damage. Do not be surprised when the dealer refutes responsibility. Again personally, if I could get them to meet me anywhere between full charge and free I’d be satisfied.
Last edited by lucky131969; Aug 29, 2024 at 08:23 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 36
From: RI
St. Jude Donor '14-'15, '17, '19
The dealer said they didn't know where the leak was coming from and the next step with the clutch was to change the clutch master cylinder for $1,000+ and go from there. That would be to replace the entire clutch and every part that goes with it. I am 77 years old and had the car since new. Never had a clutch problem even with my first real car, New 66 GTO, Every stop light was a vigorous start. I guess I just have the knack of operation the clutch that would make them last FOEVER. Any thoughts. This is driving me nuts.
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