Clutch problems

[Michael Everson]

A woman at my work is having a problem with her clutch. She says when she gets stuck in traffic and the car gets hot, the clutch will not release. She can have it all the way to the floor and cannot get it in gear. She has to shut it off to get it in gear. When this happens the car will move with the clutch in if she presses the gas. I checked out all the hydraulics and everything seems fine. Fluid is full but a little dirty. No leaks of any kind. Also does anybody know what he black disc is that is floating in her master cylinder for the clutch?
Thanks Mike

[fishexpo101]

That black disc sounds like the grating, on the bottom of the master clutch cylinder - just prevents larger chunks from getting into the system. Shouldn't be floating though - that is sort of weird.

As far as the clutch not releasing when hot - could be a number of things:

- clutch linkage (clutch pedal may need to be adjusted)
- damaged slave cylinder or master clutch cylinder (could be a bad seal)
- heavily contaminated fluid
- air in the hydraulic lines
- worn pilot bearing
- bent or sticking clutch release fork
- warped or otherwised damaged clutch disc
- damaged pressure plate

Simple stuff to do - flush the old fluid out (plain DOT 3 brake fluid) and refill with fresh fluid. Bleed the lines. Adjust the clutch pedal (pedal height, clutch free play). Possible that it cannot be adjusted anymore and you'll need a clutch pedal pushrod extender.

It that doesn't work - you'll have to open it up to see what is the matter. Could be anything from excessive clutch wear (warped or distorted disc), to worn bushing/bearings, etc.

My feeling is the system just needs to have the fluid replaced, bleed of air, and the clutch pedal adjusted. Very possible that the slave cylinder is on its way out - not able to actuate the fork to fully disengage the clutch.

[Michael Everson]

The black thing isnt a grate. Its more like a big black "mentos" Candy. Kinda like a 1 inch diameter M and M
Mike

[fishexpo101]

Doh! I totally missed the disc-shaped description in your post.

That sounds like the float that fits under the clutch master cylinder dust cover - that part is normal.

Supposedly, it helps tell you if there is fluid in there or not, without having to gauge that against the min/max markings. If filled correctly, that should just be be floating.