TomSward

After depressing the clutch petal an inch or so, the petal on its own continues to travel to the floor.

I can return the petal to the normal position by digging under it with my toe and 'pulling' it back.

What is going on and how do I fix it?

My Z06 has ~30K miles and has not been abused. I'm the original owner.

This condition can happen with or without the engine running

bluestreak63

Sounds like maybe your clutch return spring broke. Contort yourself and get in there underneath the dash and take a look to see if the clutch return spring is still attached.

TomSward

I took a look and both springs are unbroken and properly attached.
This condition does not happen every time, but quite troublesome. I'm going to bleed the clutch next.

Thanks for your suggestion.

zeevette

Do a search for "The Ranger Method". Very common problem for C5s, usually cured by switching out all the hydraulics, and a better quality aftermarket clutch, depending on your power level. BTW, *pedal

samc5z

I had this happen to a buddy of mine. It was his clutch master cylinder. I heard our cars are kinda known for this

zeevette

This' an almost 15 year old issue. Do a search, and get hundreds of threads.

woody6244

Remove the spring from the pedal under the dash and leave it off. It is not a return spring it makes it easier to hold the pedal down.

TomSward

Thank you for your suggestion. The problem I encountered was when I pressed down on the clutch, the pedal stayed down and would not return to the normal position.

Turns out I had to replace the master clutch cylinder and bleed the system by pressing down and pulling up the clutch pedal probably close to 100 times. Everything seems to be working, now.

TomSward

You were exactly correct. That’s what it took.

gmanflying

had this happen to me in a Volkswagen and it was the master cylinder. Try servicing it and bleeding it before you change it.

MX621

JrRifleCoach

^^ This ^^

GTs 58

Ha, the clutch slave cylinder is probably gone. Flushing the master cylinder was my first try but then the slave started leaking. Pissed all over the pressure plate and clutch disc.

Z16Jim

been there done that


started leaking clutch fluid

zeevette

Nice pics. OTOH, don't remind me, I've had mine down twice.

Z16Jim

First time 36K miles

mpetty

I had the exact same issue. It was the master cylinder for me, flushing it did nothing. It needed replacing.

Bobtam

I cured mine with a Lingenfelter return spring kit and high temp brake fluid. Mine happened after new clutch,master and slave. Lingenfelter saved the day. Headers heat is a big factor so make sure fluid lines are well insulated.

radar502

Had the same problem 04 Z with 82,000 miles now started with around 45,000 when it gets hot stuck to the floor . I installed new master and I change the fluid very regular well the Roger deal .. At times if run hard still a little soft but after the new Master never stuck to the floor again ..

zeevette

BTW, the little spring that's mounted on the clutch pedal assembly is meant to assist the driver by making it easier to depress. It also has another function; holding the pedal at a certain position to prevent fluid flow when the pedal is not depressed. You can run without it, but it's functions are in no way helpful in your sticking pedal situation. The Ligenfelter springs are just a crude way of assisting the pedal to return to it's "up" position. You can Home Depot that. Makes the pedal harder to depress, depending on spring tension used.