Clutch fluid leaking beneath clutch pedal.

[datsa]

I was having some shifting issues a week ago (shifting from 1st to 2nd gear), and managed to solve it by refilling the clutch master cylinder reservoir. I posted a thread to this effect Intermittent inability to shift from 1st to 2nd gear at low speeds (manual tranny).

I was curious why the reservoir was low, so I have been monitoring its level since then. I checked the clutch pedal (which has become noticeably looser in recent months), and noticed evidence of what I thought might be clutch fluid leaking from the clutch pushrod and piston unit onto the asphalt sheet beneath the dash board. However, I could not be certain, so I wiped the asphalt sheet clean and have been checking the area daily for leakage.

Today, I noticed a long linear drip from where the clutch pushrod (which is compressed by the clutch pedal) enters the sleeve. There was brake fluid on the asphalt sheet and beneath the clutch pushrod and beneath the driver's side carpet.

The clutch fluid in the master cylinder reservoir is also lower, so I am wondering if the gasket beneath the float is compromised. Or, perhaps, the clutch reservoir assembly is wearing out.

The spring action of the clutch pedal feels the same; only there is more play in the movement of the pedal itself as the clutch is being pressed but before the pushrod is fully engaged. I believe this is the original clutch master cylinder; I cannot recall ever replacing it, and looking through my records, I cannot find any record of any service or replacement.

I am assuming I should do a more complete examination of the clutch system, and then either replace the gasket and/or clutch piston and pushrod if there is scoring in these. Also, I would have to drain and bleed the clutch system, including the clutch release unit.

Does this sound reasonable?

[rdyzz]

good chance its your master cylinder. sounds like fluid leaking past the diaprham.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by rdyzz

good chance its your master cylinder. Sounds like fluid leaking past the diaprham.

+1

[BeatupRolla]

do you see drips on the floor underneith the clutch pedal? i had the same problem, you probably wont see the drips though if you have a carpet floor mat.. i replaced the master clutch cylinder and so far so good... i probably should of replaced the master slave to but i didnt.. maybe check your master slave if that has any leaks around it too.. when i had the leak i could shift perfectly fine but then i have only just purchased the car recently so i cant say much.. for me it was a small slow leak, leaked about 10 drops each drive, a few drops on the rubber mat and the rest on the back rubber wall just befor it turns into carpet.. i think it was leaking where the pushrod met the slave cylinder

[datsa]

There are no drips on the floor beneath the clutch pedal (I put down a sheet of paper), but there are drips onto the asphalt sheet (that's what Toyota calls that black padding that goes under the carpet). These drips only occur after a lot of clutch shifting (such as stop and go city driving) and then only after many minutes of doing this. In my last test, the drips didn't show up for nearly an hour (I kept checking by pulling off the road).

The slave cylinder is not leaking but it is also the original master cylinder.

Toyota sells a "master cylinder kit" for repairing the master cylinder, but I don't know if it comes with the diaphragm.
I am going to talk to my local dealer about it whether it will work; but using the kit won't get rid of any scoring within the master cylinder piston bore and it is my original clutch master cyilnder, so perhaps it is due time to replace it, a more expensive but more reliable solution.

[RogueMoog]

I replaced my clutch master & slave cylinders a year and a half ago. I replaced the master first, then found the slave was leaking as we were clearing the line of air bubbles. I considered doing the kit, but as you said, if there is scoring on the cylinder itself it will just fail again.

Removing that master cylinder was a PITA... also there are two types, one with a slanted reservoir, another with a straight (up & down) reservoir. Not sure what the difference is, but I replaced mine with the same type that was in there (straight up & down type).