I've got a major clutch problem. On my way to work this morning, pulling away from a set of traffic lights, went to go from 2nd to 3rd and the clutch pedal made a pop and dropped to the floor.

Now the pedal is basically flopping about between fully up or fully down and isn't operating the clutch at all.

It's still dark and I can't see anything at the moment but what's it most likely to be?

I'm hoping it's something simple like a clip come off or a pipe worked loose, but is it likely to be the clutch itself (release bearing?)

 

No one got any ideas? I'll be attempting to fix it at lunchtime, so any help would be appreciated

 

update: well, the pedal mechanism looks fine, no fluid loss from the master cylinder, no leaks from any pipework, although it's a bit hard to see the slave cylinder.

 

I think you will find it is a stupid circular 'C' clip that holds the pull type release bearing into the clutch cover.
You have to remove the whole gearbox to undo the clutch, snap it back in and that takes about 4 hours; to clip it in takes about 5 seconds!!

While you/someone is there check /replace the clutch and the release bearing/clip.
To the best of my knowledge you can get a new clip from a dealer.
If it has popped once it will pop twice.

Cr@p design and you will see that when you get it apart.

If you have had a new clutch recently take it back to them! (as they probably did it wrong.

911 and good luck (been there... )

 

Thanks 911. I guess it's a gearbox job off whatever I do then

Nuts, couldn't have happened at a worse time

 

You might try one thing first.
Try reaching under the intercooler and find the clutch release arm located at the end of the slave cylinder rod.
If you can, push the bit you can grab hard towards the bulkhead. If there is a definite 'click' then you MIGHT be lucky and re-engage the thrust bearing!
Incidentally, is the release arm free to pivot or is it all loose and unguided if you see what i mean...
If it is all un-guided check to see if the pivot cross bolt is still there, be amazed if this has dropped out, but worth checking. The retainer plug is just by the starter motor, and is about 20mm diameter.

Good luck

911

 

Thanks 911, I'll take a good look over the weekend. Managed to get the car home thanks to the RAC, a flatbed wagon and a membership card belonging to a mate

I might just cut my losses and sell the bloody thing

 

Top Gear:

Subaru's are the most reliable cars in the UK

Mine has not been so....

911

 

Mine was until yesterday

 

Well, took the intercooler off to have a good look at the slave cylinder and found the piston had popped out

Looks like the seal had blown (big chunk missing) and it's forced the piston out at an angle where it's jammed against the body. Took me longer to get the intercooler off than it did to remove the cylinder

Anyone know a good place to source the slave cylinder on the cheap?