2000 Corolla Clutch question

[jmou479]

I have a 2000 Corolla CE with just under 90K on it and am noticing the clutch doesn't seem to engage until almost all the way to the top. I think the previous owner (a relative) was somewhat hard on it. I'm guessing I'm approaching clutch replacement? Also, the reservoir for the clutch has fluid but it is only up to the seam in the plastic reservoir, not completely to the top. Would topping it off make any difference? Any suggestions/thoughts on clutch replacement? If I did replace I assume I would have the flyhweel turned. Appreciate your thoughts. J

[KeMBro2012]

Top it off for good measure, but it will likely make no difference in clutch travel. You've got a leak somewhere, most likely a bad master or slave cylinder.

Look at the carpet around the clutch pedal, pull the carpet back and look under it, if it's wet, you've got a bad clutch master cylinder. Also, follow the lines coming from the master cylinder (the thing with the fluid reservoir attached to it) until you get to the clutch slave cylinder (a small piston that actually engaged and disengages the clutch) and look for any moisture or fluid there. If there is any, that's where your problem is. If either of these things are bad, replace them IMMEDIATELY; you could be left with no clutch at any moment.

If there is no sign of seepage or leakage from either cylinder, then try bleeding the clutch. The process is identical to bleeding brakes; you'll find the bleeder valve on the slave cylinder.

If that doesn't seem to fix things, well, you got 90k out of a clutch that you say was abused. That's pretty dang good.