So here is a question for those knowing more than I.
In the past few weeks, my brake fluid has been steadily on the decline, and I've had to fill the reservoir twice. I had the car on the lift the other day to change my oil filter and tranny fluid (Back to the ATF in my MTX-75, now it works like it ought to). I checked all the brake lines and hoses, as well as bleeder valves and everything, and there was no leaks, nor any signs of leaks or strains or anything of the sort. I parked on a clean piece of pavement and found no fluids on the ground. I've heard that the clutch uses the fluid from the same reservoir, is it possible that something is wrong with my clutch system? and if so, what?
the clutch does use the brake fluid to operate. check the clutch line to the trans as well as around the clutch pedal. the pedal itself contains the clutch master cylander and the slave cylander is a part of the throw out bearing. Also look at the seals on the brake booster. If the clutch seems like it is slipping it may be a leaving slave cylander. lets hope that is not where the leak is coming from.
Q. does the clutch or brakes seem to operate differently than it used to?
not in particular, I haven't noticed anything different with the brakes at all. I had the wrong amsoil gear lube in the manual tranny, and just changed that back. It shifts normal again now, before it would make a lot of sounds and was pretty annoying, now it only makes one sound, you can hear the tranny rattling, almost like I have an aftermarket flywheel (which I don't) while it's at idle with the car in neutral or with the clutch depressed. But I haven't had any slipping or grinding of gears or anything. I checked the whole brake system and it seems that everything is in order there, I'll check the clutch system...whereabouts do I look for that stuff?
my understanding of the rattling is that is typically caused by the throw out bearing. IF the slave cylander is leaking it could cause the bearing to to wear. Perhaps it is time to consider a clutch job.
the clutch itself has a connection to the brake resevoir. from there, it acts as the master cylander and sends fluid on to the throwout bearing via the slave cylander. there is a line from the clutch pedal thru the firewall into the trans. the clutch line will have bleeder screw on it or at the housing. that may have come loose also.
my money is on a bad throw out bearing/slave cylander.
TXFO wrote: my money is on a bad throw out bearing/slave cylander. Mine too. Hydraulic clutches may only leak when the pedal is depressed. That might explain why there's no fluid on the ground where it's been parked.
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I really need to check on my brake fluid level as well. Everything you're talking about Joe, is exactly what I've been experiencing for over 2 years. Depress the clutch and hear the damn thing "clunking" a bit with the rpm's of the engine.
I've known for a long time I've needed a clutch, but considering I was out for a week of work this past month...it will still be a long damn time before I can get a new clutch. Hell, I've driven with worse!
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so I checked inside the car, and that indeed is where the fluid is leaking to. Inside just behind the clutch pedal, and then onto the floor. I didn't notice it because my waterhogs were sucking it up like a vaccuum cleaner. Needless to say I'm kind of hoping this sort of thing is covered under warranty. It isn't like the clutch itself is having a problem or is worn out. Stupid hunk of junk focus.
RPIJG wrote: so I checked inside the car, and that indeed is where the fluid is leaking to. Inside just behind the clutch pedal, and then onto the floor. I didn't notice it because my waterhogs were sucking it up like a vaccuum cleaner. Needless to say I'm kind of hoping this sort of thing is covered under warranty. It isn't like the clutch itself is having a problem or is worn out. Stupid hunk of junk focus.
This is an issue that has come up before. Seems to be related to cold weather.
Should be under warranty. The clutch and bearings can be considered wear items but the cylinder and related plumbing shouldn't be.
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I checked the list of items covered under my extended warranty, it's a damn long list, and there is a Kit (Clutch master cylinder) that is covered, and the only exclusion in the clutch system that is made is the clutch pressure plate itself. The list of items not included in the warranty is very small.
RPIJG - you are lucky. If its the inside leaker than its the master cylander. easy to fix and covered by warenty.
CHELLY - If you need a clutch I have a brand new one with pressure plate that I will sell you for cheaper than you can get anywhere else. You will still need a throw out bearing though.
I keep checking the warranty and here is what it says...
These Are the Only Components Not Covered by ESP PremiumCARE
Mechanical
Service adjustments and cleaning, battery and cables, belts and hoses, brakes (front hub, drums, shoes, linings, disc rotors, pads), coolant, exhaust system (includes catalytic converter), filters, fluids, lubricants, lights (bulbs, sealed beam, lenses), manual clutch disc, shock absorbers, spark plugs and wires, squeaks and rattles, tires, tune-ups, wheel balancing, wheel alignment, wiper blades, wheel studs, and compressed natural gas/liquid propane fuel system components.
Exterior
Service adjustments (glass and body parts), bright metal bumpers, door handles, glass, moldings, ornamentation, paint, rust, sheet metal, structural underbody framework, sideview mirrors (glass and housing), water leaks, wind noise, weatherstrips, wheel covers and ornaments, convertible top, fabric, liners, zippers and fasteners.
Interior
Buttons, carpets, dash pad, door and window handles, knobs, rearview mirror (glass and housing), trim, upholstery.
And the list with all the parts is enormous, I checked that and throwout bearing is on the list of replaceable parts under warranty, I can't find the slave cylinder thing, but I'm not sure exactly what they would call that.
