Lost Clutch Hydraulics

[JamesDaniel80]

Hi everyone - some advice please!

Over the last few weeks, my clutch pedal has been getting more and more spongy.

It's more noticeable at the start of my journey and gets better the more I use it but this morning, I couldn't get it into gear and on looking at the clutch fluid reservoir, it was lingering around half way.

Is there a weak point that usually goes with the clutch hydraulics so I know where I might start looking for a leak?

Or is it likely to be the slave or master cylinder?

Cheers!

James

[LimeyMk1]

1st check for me would be the slave cylinder seals, pop the boot back and if it's leaking it will be pretty obvious.

Master cylinder you'd most likely be able to smell it as they tend to drip onto the base of the steering column under the clutch pedal. If it's the Master cylinder check and clean the universal joint on the steering column as the clutch fluid will eat the rubber padding in the joint and that's £90 from Toyota to replace (about 10 years ago).

[JamesDaniel80]

Thank you!

That's my weekend sorted

[JamesDaniel80]

Turns out it is the master cylinder.

Most of my clutch hydraulic fluid has ended up under the carpet in the drivers footwell!

At least it's an easy fix!

[LimeyMk1]

May be worth changing the seal on the slave cylinder piston while the system is drained.

Did the UJ stay free of clutch fluid?

[JamesDaniel80]

UJ?

[elbon50]

UJ?

Chris is referring to the universal joint on the steering column

[JamesDaniel80]

Ah.

No, it's just a small leak that I can see coming from the rubber seal where the clutch pedal attaches to the master cylinder.

I can still drive it after pumping the pedal a few times at the start of a journey to build the pressure but it's only going to get worse so I've ordered a replacement cylinder.

Hopefully that'll sort it.

[elbon50]

A new cyl should sort it OK James

Rather an expensive method though

I would strip & clean the cyl internally

Then fit a set of new seals

[stenky]

You have to be a jew

[boondougal]

You have to be a jew

[elbon50]

You have to be a jew

I get far more satisfaction from a successful repair than a simple replacement

[JamesDaniel80]

Well...I've managed to source one for £22 posted so I'm happy.

I think I'd get more satisfaction out of driving it and being able to change gear hassle free.

[Lauren]

You have to be a jew

This is not an acceptable term to use on IMOC. Please don't do it again.

[stenky]

You have to be a jew

This is not an acceptable term to use on IMOC. Please don't do it again.

You are right. No jews should have been insulted with my pesky comment, as I only tried to mock Peter 😛 I am sorry for that.