11 replies to this topic

[ironman]

So I was just about to take my recently acquired 03 B4 for a drive for the first time in a week.

 

The clutch isn't engaging at all.

 

Pedal is really light, compared to what used to be.

 

There was a slight shudder/slipping last time I drove (I just moved it 30m away), but i didn't think anything of it at the time.

 

First thing I checked was the Clutch fluid reservoir, it was under the minimum level, so i topped it up. Same issue.

 

Clutch was perfectly fine the week before, no signs of wear.

 

Any advice?

 

Cheers

[Barbbachello]

tried bleeding it?

[ironman]

I'm supposed to pump the clutch in order to bleed it out right? The clutch is not engaging, so the fluid wouldn't bleed out?

[allpaw4]

Get someone to get in and pump the clutch a few times while you look at the master cylinder and levels. Also watch the flex lines, if they bellow out during a down stroke, you'll need to replace the line that's bellowing out. When you do this, take the intercooler off and watch the action of the slave cylinder too. If it's not pushing the fork properly you might need to replace one of the cylinders. You might just have air in the system from the low level.

[Barbbachello]

I'm supposed to pump the clutch in order to bleed it out right? The clutch is not engaging, so the fluid wouldn't bleed out?

Youre trying to bleed the air out no the fluid. If you know how to bleed brakes its the same procedure 

[allpaw4]

Clutches can be painful. Best of luck man.

[ironman]

Get someone to get in and pump the clutch a few times while you look at the master cylinder and levels. Also watch the flex lines.

 

Checked the levels on the master as someone pumped the clutch, fluid level didn't budge. Flex lines? Where would I find those? Engine bay is so packed compared to what I'm used to.

 

I keep being told that its either a master or slave cylinder issue. Does this seems right? Or could it be something else, (Clutch, gearbox)?

[allpaw4]

The flex lines are the rubber ones. The solid lines are smaller and made of steel or whatever steel brake lines are made of (probably aluminium). Probably right, but best to check the basic possibilities first, cost you nothing but your time to do so.

[allpaw4]

Master could be passing fluid, but see what someone else says who is more experienced with brakes and clutch systems. Might even be worth giving it to a mechanic who knows their stuff. Nothing beats a diagnosis when the problem is in front of you, rather than randoms behind a keyboard. I know it's a pretty good community here, but still. The only reason I say check the lines is I've had problems with them before. Not on my car, but a mates 2000 wrx. So it's something I always check now.

[duncanm]

does it just drop to the floor ?

 

Like others said - bleed it.

 

I found one way to do this is to  force fluid into the slave bleed nipple with a 100ml syringe.

 

You'll need to remove the intercooler.

[ironman]

So, I had a mobile mechanic check it out today. He just jumped in and tested the clutch, it worked fine for him. Drove fine and shifted into gears properly. He reckons it was a sticky pressure plate?