Maybe I'm imagining this, but twice recently the same thing has happened (or maybe I've imagined it twice...)

On a motorway the other day some traffic in front got into a bit of a mess and I had to brake quite heavily from 70-ish to nearly stationary. As I slowed I depressed the clutch pedal to change down, and the pedal felt as if hardly any pressure was required, almost as if it was 'floppy' rather than 'stiff' (don't get confused, this is the clutch pedal I'm talking about...)

And then yesterday on a slip road at motorway speed I braked quite hard, and again the clutch pedal felt far too easy to depress. In fact yesterday I then stalled in the traffic because the clutch bite point seemed to be around the floor level just for a moment, then straight after that the pedal felt normal again.

The car is going in for a service very shortly, so I'm just looking for a plausible explanation - anyone seen this before ?

Impreza Turbo MY98

 

Not sure why it happens, but I think it is to do with the engine movement and whatever way it moves the flexi-hose for the clutch. I think it must be squeezing fluid from it or something.
I had problems with mine, only to discover that whoever had changed the clutch before I got the car, had refitted the slave cylinder with the flexi hose nearly kinked.

 

Thanks StevieTurbo, that does sound plausible - I'll ask the dealer to check that specifically.

 

I've got the same problem too. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated, although I do suspect its my clutch.

 

me too ! seems like the pedal travel is almost halved & bit point it a LOT lower. pump the pedal, or release the brake & it's all back to normal!
let us know the outcome - mines just been in, but forgot to ask! DOH!

Steve

 

Check the spring from the release arm to the engine block (under the intercooler) this is meant to hold the release arm against the release bearing on the clutch. If it's burst, or slack then the arm can come back, usually when accelerating, displacing fluid in the master cylinder. This means next press of the pedal, 50% or more of the travel is just moving the arm back before the clutch starts to disengage.

Andy

 

when it happens, and it still does occasionally, i just lift the pedal with my foot, and all is well again. Maybe a sporty teflon/stainless hose might help?

 

the pedal always comes up fully, but it just doesnt seem to do much for the top 1/2 of the travel.
will check the spring on mine, but it feels more like hydraulic problem / fluid moving about under braking loads ?!?!?

Steve

 

Ok, its into Mill Lane on Monday so they can look at it then.

I wonder if the deceleration G-force is what moves the arm out of position (assuming it is the release arm of course !) Everything else in the car was certainly moving to the front - road atlas, phone, empty crisp packets...

 

That's interesting....

My dealer (Mill Lane) today diagnosed a clutch master cylinder problem as the cause. I haven't had a chance to find out more.

Is it easy to see whether this spring is broken, or does the intercooler have to be removed ?

I'm not sure whether the clutch master cylinder is covered by my Subaru Extended Warranty - anyone know ?

 

Its not the spring, mines fine, and has always been fine. I would be pretty sure it has something to to with the hose either kinking, or being stretched, or similar causing strange things with the fluid.

 

Had the exact same problem! The dealer replaced the clutch (they said the problem was in the clutch) and 1 week later it's doing the same thing. I'm gonna check the cable but it feels like a hidraulic problem to me.

UPDATE: I removed the intercooler and found out that the spring was broken! I don't understand how it is possible for a dealer(Entreposto Setubal) to replace a clutch without the proper checking of the entire system.

[Edited by pedrob - 7/11/2002 9:55:52 PM]

 

Hi, noticed this is an old problem. I am currently having this soft clutch pedal like free play during heavy braking and turning as well. I have replaced master clutch cylinder, slave cylinder and hose as well but problem still there. I have bleed the clutch system many times, play around with the pedal adjustment, nil joy. No sign of any fluid leak.
Car is WRX GC8, MY98.
Let me know what was your fix beside selling the car.
Thanks.